Prodrive, legendary rally player, diversifies

Known for its Rally Subaru or Dakar Hunters, Prodrive applies its expertise to last-mile mobility.

Developed by Prodrive and its partner Astheimer, designed by Prodrive Advanced Technology, the EVOLV is one of the 10 projects to receive support from the UK Department for Business and Trade. It is a compact electric “last-mile” quadricycle with cubic loading capacity rivaling that of medium-sized vans.

The goal was to create the highest performing, safest, and most efficient L7e category quadricycle that can be driven with a standard car license. At just 3,240 mm long, 1,450 mm wide, 2,150 mm high, and weighing 850 kg with batteries (less than 600 kg without batteries), the EVOLV offers two modular loading areas providing 4 m³ of loading space, a record 60% of the vehicle’s total volume. It is almost the opposite of a passenger vehicle. The design of the EVOLV can accommodate a European pallet 1.6 meters high with a payload of 300 kg in the main loading area. Access is provided laterally via secure, self-locking sliding doors and features a loading platform height of 300 mm. The secondary loading area, accessible from the rear, offers additional space for a 1.2-meter-high European pallet with a payload of 200 kg.

Analysis of the service cycles of last-mile electric vehicles has led engineers to prioritize a battery specification of up to 20 kWh, which has the potential to meet sector demands with a range of 160 km and a top speed of 80 km/h. No fast charging, which would be unnecessary for a daily use. EVOLV is expected to charge from 20% to 80% in less than two hours. The single-seat cabin is designed with ample light and visibility, featuring large glass surfaces.

The vehicle must now proceed from the design phase to production and then certification. Pre-series vehicles will be tested by customers, with production in the UK slated to begin in 2028. The base price is announced at 25,000 euros.

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