Chass - e - Cab

The Chass-e-Cab project builds upon multiple previous R&D projects, applying novel multi-material body-in-white technologies to an innovative, lightweight commercial vehicle platform.

This project will deliver a flexible, configurable, and scalable zero emission electric vehicle platform designed for commercial, last mile and specialist applications including public service and blue light emergency services.

Based on the already proven and versatile zero emission electric PACES platform, the project is focused on the integration of a novel and innovative approach to creating a lightweight commercial vehicle cab and body structures. It uses a multi-material approach, combining composite braided structural and semi-structural components, with metallic structures, wherever either is most appropriate. It will demonstrate significant vehicle-level benefits, particularly in relation to maximising payload, range extension and reduced energy consumption through weight reduction.

This will be delivered through optimised structural composite components replacing traditional body in white metallic components. The composite parts can be designed with optimal load-bearing configurations, not possible in metal, along with delivering a reduction in part-count, associated tooling requirements, bill of materials cost and production line assembly time.

The primary objectives are as follows:

1\. Develop the lightweight composite body-in-white technology, optimising gains achievable from unconstrained braided section form, component geometry, reducing part count, saving weight, and lowering assembly/build time.

2\. Manufacture a representative Chass-e-Cab electric commercial vehicle, providing exploitable physical output for all partners by demonstrating the optimised payload, efficiency/range benefits, cost effectiveness and multiple commercial and blue light application opportunities available.

This optimised zero-emission, configurable platform with lightweight body system provides a viable cost-effective solution for manufacturers and specialist vehicle converters, maximising vehicle payload, efficiency and range, while delivering truly tailored bespoke vehicles to exactly match demanding customer specifications.