The Utility Private Transporter could do for EVs what smartphones did for devices – combining a number of varieties in a single gadget. What’s extra, latest bulletins counsel that folks could quickly begin seeing the factor in precise use, in three completely different international locations.
Editor’s word: Readers typically ask us for follow-ups on memorable tales. What has occurred to this story through the years? This text was initially printed in 2023 however has been re-edited and up to date with new info present as of Could 14, 2025. Get pleasure from!
At present in useful prototype type, the Utility Private Transporter (UPT) is being developed by Canadian electrical mobility firm Envo Drive Methods. In a nutshell, it is a four-wheel-drive electrical platform that may be tailored to serve a number of functions – kind of like a smaller model of the REE “skateboard chassis” system.
Envo unveiled the automobile to the media in November of 2023, at an occasion that additionally showcased the brand new Veemo velomobile. That stated, the UPT extra carefully resembles one of many firm’s longer-established merchandise, the e-ATV.
Each the UPT and the e-ATV are four-wheeler EVs which the consumer stands on to function (though there is the choice of sitting on a removable/foldable seat). The UPT has a decrease heart of gravity for higher stability, nevertheless, plus it has a very flat deck together with raised handlebars that may be folded again, telescoped down or slid over to 1 aspect – all whereas remaining absolutely useful.
Envo Drive Methods
The thought is that by reconfiguring the UPT (which can most often contain including further modules) it might function issues like a mini truck, golf cart, powered cargo dolly, ride-on garden mower, snow plough, litter-carrying backcountry rescue automobile, or perhaps a absolutely enclosed micro automobile.
And by swapping on some knobby tires, it might even give the e-ATV a run for its cash. Its double wishbone suspension with 120 mm (4.7 in) of journey will surely assist it accomplish that.
Ben Coxworth / New Atlas
The UPT’s 4 customized 3-kilowatt in-wheel motors (for a complete of 12 kW) are powered by eight replaceable lithium batteries positioned contained in the deck. Not solely does this association save house by eliminating a drivetrain, it additionally reduces upkeep and permits for particular person traction management on every wheel. Moreover, the batteries can be utilized to energy instruments or different units out within the area.
One cost of these batteries needs to be good for a spread of 100 to 200 km (62 to 124 miles), relying on utilization. Talking of which, the UPT has a high velocity of fifty km/h (31 mph), it might tow as much as 350 kg (772 lb), carry 250 kg (551 lb), and ship 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque.
Ben Coxworth / New Atlas
As an added bonus, with its handlebars folded flat in opposition to its deck, the UPT will be saved vertically in opposition to the wall of a storage. Plans name for the combination of a characteristic through which customers will merely push a button to make the UPT roll alongside the bottom till it meets a close-by wall, then climb up that wall and lean in opposition to it.
Pricing for a base mannequin needs to be round US$14,000.
In January of 2025, Envo introduced a partnership with San Francisco firm Faction Expertise, geared toward making use of the latter agency’s driverless automobile tech to the UPT platform. The end result may very well be self-driving supply automobiles, designed to be used within the US and different markets.
That announcement was adopted by one other one in March, through which Envo acknowledged it will likely be introducing the UPT to Australia and New Zealand by way of a partnership with Brisbane-based MH Evokes. In line with Envo, “MH Evokes will lead market feasibility research, distribution channel institution, and potential native manufacturing methods for the profitable introduction of ENVO UPT electrical utility automobiles.”
The next video illustrates a few of the automobile’s functions.
ENVO UPT | Proudly Canadian 🍁
Firm web site: Envo Drive Systems
A model of this text was initially printed in 2023.
