UK firm plans mini EV with a twist

Helixx's four-in-one EV will be built and leased out via franchises for gig economy use

-  JAMES ATTWOOD

British start-up Helixx is aiming to revolutionise the delivery driver gig economy in developing countries with a new low-cost and customisable quadricycle and a business model that takes inspiration from Uber, Amazon Prime and McDonald's.

The company has developed a modular L7e quadricycle that will be offered in cargo, truck, minibus and doorless tuk-tuk forms.

The different bodies are all based on one core platform, which reduces manufacturing complexity, and the panels are effectively glued together. The vehicle features batteries that can be removed and swapped to minimise downtime.

Helixx is already testing a working prototype and has begun a funding round to raise £20 million for a pilot facility in the UK to produce the first 100 models. The company intends to run a franchise system, with local firms taking responsibility for production and then running fleets of vehicles that will be available on a subscription service, with customers including delivery drivers and taxi operators in developing countries.