Gazelle, a French minimalist "2 cv" electric car (Bordeaux)
published: 16/02/22, 13:07
The linked article:
Automotive: it launches the "2 CV" of the 21st century, a low-tech and very energy-efficient electric car
It is a nugget born in Bordeaux in Gironde. The Gazelle is made from composite material in micro-factories, in no time. Very light, it consumes almost half as much as its competitors. Its designer wants to launch a new industrial model.
Is Gaël Lavaud a visionary? He has been thinking about changing manufacturing methods in the automotive industry for years. He is now very close to the goal.
A homemade car
Former of the prestigious Ecole Centrale de Lyon, ex of the direction of the development of the Renault group, he is convinced that the future will be in "low tech" at the exact opposite of high-tech.
Either a technology based on simplicity, durability, made locally and in an artisanal rather than industrial way.
This model, he took eight years to develop.
Micro factories
This Monday morning, he welcomes us to the very first "factory" he designed, installed in the premises of the Bordeaux Technowest startup incubator in Blanquefort, in the Bordeaux metropolis.
Four containers are joined, no big machine, no robot inside...
"It's really ultra basic with three containers dedicated to assembly and one at the bottom for storing spare parts. You have a concept in the logic of low tech where we are going to make vehicle assembly and maintenance as easy as possible. easy as possible".
Indeed. The chassis of the Gazelle is assembled in an hour, like a lego. And for good reason: there are only 10 elements to assemble compared to around 300 for a classic car.
The secret ? This is the material used. No steel, no expensive equipment.
"It's a chassis technology entirely made of composite material. With fiberglass associated with other inexpensive materials that allow extraordinary mechanical behavior in terms of energy absorption and rigidity" explains Gaël Lavaud who obtained maximum crash test score.
Its technology is patented and jealously guarded secret.
Ultra light, super economical
In addition to easy assembly, the composite material makes the car considerably lighter.
"It weighs about 900 kg, we could still drop to 800" assures the Girondin designer. While a classic city car weighs at least 1,2 tonnes.
"Lightness means less fuel consumption since three-quarters of a vehicle's fuel consumption is its weight. ".
"And then, one of the major costs of the electric vehicle is its battery. There, by reducing the battery, we obtain the same autonomy as the others. It is thanks to this that we manage to have a competitive vehicle in price . It will come out around 20 euros".
The battery can cover 180 kilometres. It recharges in 4 hours on a standard electrical outlet. "It's a car that does not exceed 100 km/h. The idea is to really have a simple and efficient vehicle for all daily journeys, it's a bit like the 2 CV of the 21st century “explains Gael.
Equipping communities and businesses
Its first objective is to equip local authorities and companies which will have to convert their fleets of vehicles to all-electric in the next few years.
But quickly, it is these micro factories that he wants to market. Sell them, sell spare parts and training to dealers or others.
"They will provide assembly in addition to sales and maintenance. It will cost them very little in initial investment. A micro factory is around 250 euros".
Gaël Lavaud thus aims to create activity in all parts of the territory.
Before seeing the "Gazelle" rolling, an important step remains to be taken: obtaining official homologation. It is scheduled for fall 2022.
https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr ... 57796.html
The concept of turnkey micro factories vaguely reminds me of someone and something...it didn't end very well...
I wish them good luck to pass the certification... they talk about autumn in the video but they don't say which year!