Gordon Murray Design (GMD) has released
photos and specifications of its new Motiv autonomous city car. Developed in
collaboration with Delta Motorsport and itMoves, Motiv uses GMD’s patented
iStream Superlight technology to produce “a safe and cost-effective autonomous
vehicle.” Now, you may recall that Gordon Murray unveiled the Motiv.e city car
concept with a Yamaha badge back in 2013.
Well, the Motiv can be considered a
successor to that study, albeit a very different one. For starters, it’s a
single-seater pod with autonomous capability that has the potential “to
significantly reduce congestion and emissions in city centers.” How exactly can
it do that? Well, it has two essential characteristics: it’s very small and it
features all-electric propulsion.
Motiv is only 2,537-mm long,
1,310-mm wide and 1,628-mm high. As for the fully-electric
powertrain, it’s supplied by Delta Motorsport and consists of a 27 HP electric motor powered by a 17.3 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack. This
enables a potential driving range of up to 100 km. Its maximum speed
is 65 km/h, which means it’s only designed for urban and suburban
environments. According to Gordon Murray Design, the battery can be recharged
from 20 percent to 80 percent in just 40 minutes thanks to CCS charging
capability.
Obviously, the Motiv won’t be able to
reduce congestion all by itself; it will need to be widely adopted by consumers
for that to happen. Gordon Murray Design hopes to convince both OEMs and
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) providers with the Motiv’s flexibility, among
other assets. In the future, the self-driving pod will be adapted to seat
multiple occupants, accommodate a wheelchair user and even for commercial
deliveries. The latter variant could offer a cargo volume of more than 1,100
liters.
Thanks to the use of GMD’s iStream
Superlight technology, the Motiv is projected to weigh less than 450 kg, excluding batteries. The autonomous pod features an ultra-lightweight
high strength extruded aluminum chassis (iFrame), composite panels and door
(iPanel), plus aluminum suspension (iLink). The low weight enables it to be
homologated as a quadricycle – the first of its kind to meet European passenger
car (M1) crash safety standards. Being a quadricycle also makes it simpler to
produce than a car, resulting in shorter customer waiting times.
Design-wise, the Motiv is described as
“contemporary, while also remaining compact and city friendly.” It features a
gullwing door for easy access and protection from the elements. Inside, the
autonomous pod is said to offer comfortable space with an integrated HVAC
system and room to perch a laptop.
Gordon Murray Design estimates the Motiv
could be ready for mass production within two to five years. To support the
transition to autonomous road use, Gordon Murray Design and its partners aim to
collaborate with autonomous technology providers for multiple pilot studies. Gordon
Murray Design will unveil the Motiv self-driving pod at the MOVE 2020 show in
London (February 11-20).
