Another electric vehicle startup, Oslo, Norway-based Fresco Motors AS, has been revealed along with its XL all-electric “POD” without “the disruptive noise of a traditional car.”
“We are beyond grateful for all of the attention Fresco XL has received,” said Jakob Kirsebom Lanto, CFO & Member of the Board of Fresco. “Therefore, we are pleased to present target specifications and more information about our all-electric POD.”
The XL people mover will have an electric motor on each axle and a driving range of about 1000 km (620 mi) per charge from its structural battery pack.
“Due to the harsh climates our customers are located in, we have chosen to equip each axle with their own electric motor,” said Espen Kvalvik, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Fresco. “Not only will this standard equipment ensure better traction on slippery roads, but the all-wheel-drive will make the Fresco XL off-road capable as well.”
The XL will come with an extra-large battery pack of unspecified capacity.
“As it will be double stacked, it will ensure approximately 1000 km of driving range per charge,” said Adrian Kristofer Locklindh, COO & Member of the Board of Fresco. “In addition to a battery pack that solves the range-anxiety problem, we are delighted to unveil that Fresco XL will come with aerodynamic rims, which will ensure a high energy efficiency.”
In addition to these key features, Fresco mentions some practical applications for its POD such as backup energy shortage and use as a camper.
“In case you need some additional energy, hook up your Fresco XL to your house or cabin,” said Locklindh. “Due to its rather large battery pack, it would essentially work as a backup unit, and as the Fresco XL is such an extra-large vehicle, you can quite easily use it for camping and road trips. All you need to do is pull down the seats to create a flat surface, put in your bedding, and use it as a camper.”
The company first announced its intentions to unveil its all-electric POD in January.
“After a long and uncertain period because of the global pandemic, people from all over the world have experienced quite trying times that have been filled with negativity,” said Kvalvik, last month. “As things are moving back to normal, we are happy to announce that we have chosen to unveil our extraordinary EV and our positive vision for the company’s future.”
Fresco XL features a minimalist, Norwegian design by Kvalvik, and provides enough space for eight passengers.
“During this pandemic, we have chosen to update our old sedan design and overall design language,” said Kvalvik. “…We have gone from a traditional design to one that is highly futuristic. As we have chosen to bypass historical and traditional shapes, it’s safe to say that there are no vehicles out on the roads today that look like Fresco XL.”
The company is targeting the use of technology from external parties and has partnered with an unnamed turn-key engineering firm for development.
“When it comes to technology, we have chosen to go for well-known suppliers,” said Lanto. “Not only do they have already developed and tested parts that are ready to be integrated, but they offer both us and our customers safe and innovative solutions. There are so many great suppliers out there, so it makes sense for us to utilize them in order to save both development time and money.”
For more information on Fresco and its XL, visit www.frescomotors.com and watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbCRmvzX6rg. The company is taking order reservations for 10,000 Norwegian Kroner, or about €1000, toward the approximate 1,000,000 Norwegian Kroner or €100.000 vehicle price. According to its investor webpage, Fresco is offering shares in the company at €1000 until April 30th.
In November, via another company called AOE Mobility AS, CEO Lanto, CTO Kvalvik, and COO Locklindh announced an all-electric premium motorcycle with a swappable battery pack.
That company’s first short-term objective is to create the low-volume, high-priced, medium-sized motorcycle; its second is a large-size, medium-volume, high-priced, large-sized encapsulated motorcycle POD. Both will be sold in Europe, North America, and China.
“We are excited to pull our technology company out of stealth mode, and announce the unveiling of AOE Bike, an all-electric, environmentally friendly motorcycle from Scandinavia,” said Lanto, at the time.
The company describes the bike as having a contemporary Scandinavian design with a masculine and minimalistic aesthetic. Its sidecar provides extra storage (and electricity) for longer trips, with an electric drive unit and battery pack that was said to be environmentally friendly and easy to charge.
“Even though the electrification of the automobile has had a great start, there still aren’t many noteworthy electric motorcycles,” said Locklindh. “Therefore, we have chosen to take on this task by creating a premium motorcycle, and in order for this vehicle to get out on the road more quickly.
Like with the Fresco XL, he added that the company has chosen the product development strategy to team up with suppliers that have “already developed components.”
No word yet on when the EVs may reach the market.