Squad Mobility's Solar Electric Quadricycle - Compact & Shared

Squad Mobility's Vision for Urban EVs

Squad Mobility aims to revolutionize city transportation with an affordable electric vehicle (EV). Their concept centers around a low-cost design, incorporating solar panels and swappable batteries. The vehicle is engineered to provide sufficient range and performance for typical urban commutes within its compact 6.5-foot frame.

Prototype Development and Pricing

The Dutch startup is currently finalizing the assembly of functional prototypes in Breda, Netherlands. The base price is projected to be €5,750 ($6,790), excluding taxes. Additional features, such as removable doors, climate control, and extended battery capacity, will increase the overall cost.

Robert Hoevers, CEO and co-founder, announced plans to showcase these prototypes this fall. Pre-production is slated to commence this year, with deliveries anticipated by the end of 2022.

Funding and Future Investment

Like many emerging EV companies, Squad requires further investment to achieve its production targets.

In June, the company secured an undisclosed amount of funding from Bloomit Ventures. Hoevers estimates an additional €3.5 million ($4.1 million) is needed for the next funding round, followed by €8 million ($9.6 million) to facilitate initial deliveries. Discussions with potential investors are currently underway.

Targeting Shared Mobility Platforms

Customers can currently reserve a Squad vehicle with a €5 deposit on the company’s website. However, Squad primarily envisions a market presence through partnerships with shared mobility companies.

The startup is actively engaging with micromobility and car-sharing operators, exploring opportunities to integrate its compact, intelligent vehicle into their existing fleets.

Vehicle Specifications and Range

The Squad, derived from the combination of "solar" and "quadricycle," accommodates two passengers. It reaches speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and is powered by two 1.6 Kwh swappable batteries. This provides a combined range of approximately 62 miles, comparable to electric mopeds.

This range is considered adequate for most European city drivers. A 250-watt solar panel is integrated into the vehicle, adding an estimated 12 miles of range per day, based on average European sunlight conditions.

Intersection of New Mobility and EV Innovation

Squad’s emergence coincides with the convergence of new mobility categories and advancements in EV charging technology. This positions the company as an attractive partner for shared mobility operators seeking to expand their service offerings.

Many micromobility companies are already incorporating electric mopeds into their fleets alongside e-scooters and e-bikes. The Squad could appeal to a wider demographic, particularly those preferring a four-wheeled vehicle.

Potential Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency

The potential for cost reduction through solar power is a significant advantage. Labor costs associated with battery swapping or vehicle charging represent a substantial challenge for profitability in the micromobility sector. A vehicle that partially charges throughout the day could mitigate this issue.

Hoevers explained to TechCrunch that the solar panel is intended to supplement battery charging, not to power the vehicle directly. He emphasized that consistent, partial charging is beneficial for battery life, maintaining optimal capacity between 50% and 60%.

Fleet Integration and Smart Features

Hoevers stated that discussions with shared micromobility providers have revealed that typical dockless vehicles experience four to five rides daily, covering 36 to 38 miles. These figures align with the Squad’s capabilities.

Squad plans to equip its vehicles with cameras, sensors, and smart features, including remote diagnostics and maintenance. This will enhance integration with shared operator fleet management platforms. The company leverages the founders’ 40 years of experience and their prior work at Lightyear to develop a robust CAN bus and drivetrain for future feature additions.

Vehicle Category and Regulatory Benefits

The Squad’s ultimate market positioning—whether through micromobility or car-sharing platforms—may depend on its vehicle classification. Currently, it falls into the L6e category for light four-wheeled vehicles.

Hoevers highlighted the financial and regulatory advantages of this category, including exemption from congestion charges, road taxes, and parking fees, as well as lower insurance costs and, in many markets, the elimination of the need for a traditional driver’s license.

The company is also exploring the development of a more powerful L7 variant capable of reaching speeds of around 45 miles per hour, suitable for cities with challenging terrain.

The Competitive Landscape

Squad is not alone in its pursuit of integrating solar panels into electric vehicles. Sono Motors, a German startup, has informed TechCrunch that it anticipates commencing deliveries of its electric Sion vehicle by 2023.

The Sion’s bodywork incorporates hundreds of solar cells embedded within a polymer material, rather than traditional glass. This innovative design can potentially contribute up to approximately 22 miles of additional driving range daily.

Even prior to the Sion’s official launch, Sono Motors has launched an application designed to facilitate a car-sharing network. This system, conceptually similar to Airbnb, aims to maximize the utilization of Sions that would otherwise remain idle for extended periods.

As of Thursday, Sono is broadening the scope of this initiative, extending car-sharing capabilities through its app to encompass any vehicle.

Aptera Motors, a California-based company aiming to introduce the “first mass-produced solar car” this year, secured $4 million in Series A funding in February. These funds are being allocated towards the procurement of materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and batteries for its uniquely designed, three-wheeled vehicle.

Aptera states that its vehicle, currently available for pre-order with a price range of $25,900 to $46,900, will feature 34 square feet of solar cells. These cells are projected to provide an additional 40 miles of battery range on a sunny day.

While each company operating within the solar-powered EV sector exhibits distinct approaches to technology, market entry, and vehicle aesthetics, they collectively explore solutions to alleviate the burden on the electrical grid.

In the Netherlands, electric vehicles currently represent 25% of the total automotive market share, a figure expected to rise. Sustained reliance on grid-based charging for all these vehicles may prove unsustainable, particularly as electrification expands across various industries.

Although current technological limitations prevent vehicles from operating solely on solar power, companies like Squad are actively establishing a foundation for the advancement of future solar technologies.

These efforts are crucial for developing sustainable transportation solutions.