Page-Roberts unveils longer-range EV design

The new design positions the battery between the front row seats and a second row of rear-facing seats, disrupting the traditional ‘skateboard’ arrangement with EV batteries placed under the floor. Drawbacks of this can include added height, increased weight, structural complexities, and an extended wheelbase.

According to Page-Roberts, its arrangement will result in a lower, lighter and more aerodynamic vehicle with a standard wheelbase. Range could be extended or a smaller battery could be used to achieve a similar range to current EVs on the market, the start-up said, with potential for manufacturing costs to be cut by ‘up to 36 per cent’.

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“Rear-facing seats are widely used in taxis and camper vans and may even become the norm for automated vehicles,” said CEO Freddy Page-Roberts. “Aside from the obvious benefits of increased design flexibility, they provide excellent outward visibility — a key factor for boosting occupant comfort. Their position ahead of the rear wheels also offers enhanced passenger protection — reduced whiplash, for example, in the case of frontal impact.”