At many motorshows, there are the major carmakers who display their production and concept models and usually occupy the biggest floor spaces. And there are smaller companies which may have one model – often with a unique design – on display. Some of these small companies may have big plans and are hoping to draw interest from investors so they can commercialize their ideas, or they are hoping to get advance orders (and money) from customers so they have funding to proceed.
While many fade away, some are lucky to be able to get funding and move forward. They are the ‘start-ups’ which often have some new and innovative ideas or ‘disruptive’ strategies which they believe will ‘transform’ the market. And these days, the focus is on electric vehicles (EVs), which can use business models that differ from the traditional auto industry models.
One such company which appeared two years ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show was Alpha Motor Corporation which displayed interesting designs. The company had plans though they were vague and had a few concept models to show but no specific time-lines to provide. Their answers to media queries were also vague but that’s not unusual for start-ups which are just well, getting started. Furthermore, they would also want to keep things secret so rivals don’t know what they are really working on.
Patented technology
Apparently Alpha Motor had developed some new technology that is unique enough that the company has sought patent protection for it. Referred to as a Multipurpose Vehicle System, Alpha’s vehicle system is structured with a chassis that is dimensionally adjustable and has the capacity to produce different iterations of vehicles. Components within the chassis are interchangeable with new counterparts while used components are recyclable.
Besides the adjustable chassis and interchangeable components, key differentiators of Alpha’s technology include Modular Construction, Multifunctional Vehicle Configurations, and Component Recyclability. This technology has been given patent protection announced by the US Patent and Trademark Office which has also issued patent allowances for two vehicle designs in the past month.
“At Alpha, new electric vehicles are developed with a passion to fulfill market needs in the most efficient manner. In line with our business plan, we will continuously develop compelling zero-emission automobiles and responsibly industrialize our products. We are rigorously preparing market entry and developing synergies to collectively achieve sustainable mobility,” the California-based company said in a press statement.
Limited edition model
Besides collaborating with other parties to develop customized EVs, Alpha Motor also has plans to produce its own models, one of which is called the Montage Electric Coupe. This will be a limited-production car available via private sale as an exclusive custom-built special construction EV.
“As we achieve milestones along our roadmap to mass production, opportunities are created to build special vehicles. Montage was created to bring people together to support electrification,” the company said. “Our electric cars are not built to feel electronic, and Montage is a testament to the EV revolution. Alpha is a collective vision to ‘Move Humanity’.”
The Alpha Motor DNA
The custom-built EV platform for the Montage will be constructed from ground up using Alpha’s proprietary development process involving advanced Computer-Aided Development. Since its inception, the company’s sustainability initiative aimed to reach beyond electrification of cars to implementation of manufacturing solutions which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of industrialization.
It will have an optional custom-built Electric Drive Unit (EDU) with an estimated power output of 150 kW, with an incredible 3,335 Nm of torque. The gearbox will feature a 2-stage spur with differential and programmed to perform above 92% peak efficiency.
Electrical energy for the EDU will come from a custom-built 400V lithium-ion battery pack with an estimated 400 kms of range. It’s likely that the latest EV technologies will be used and the onboard charger will have fast charging capability with DC power supply.
Toyota Vios-sized
Size-wise, the Montage measures 4400 mm in overall length, which would make it about the same length as a Toyota Vios but with more width at 1850 mm. Being a coupe, it sits low at 1284 mm. To keep with the sporty image, it will come equipped with wide performance tyres with white sidewalls and polished metal wire wheels.
The prototype that has been revealed has a retro-futuristic teardrop-shaped cabin and fender blisters on the body side. The profile (which has elements of Audi TT) is accented by chrome ornamentations while the centre spine of the bonnet features Alpha’s triangular mark. The car is finished in a refined metallic silver paint called ‘Time Machine’ although customers are likely to been given their own preference since this is a limited edition.
2-seater cabin
Within the 2-door bodywork is plush seating for two persons, with space for storage in the rear compartment and under the bonnet. The interior, as expected, is packed with advanced features such as a driver-centric digital speedometer, haptic audio controls, and a digital sound system.
While providing a premium feel, Alpha Motor is also conscious of the need to ensure sustainability. It sources the top-grade leathers from Spinneybeck as well as Shawmut, which provides luxurious and recyclable materials which are made from single-component recycled fibers.
Not road-legal
The Montage, to be built in California, will have a starting price of US$499,000 (about RM2.2 million) and take 6 months to build (though when actually production will start is not known). Alpha Motor also advises potential customers that the car is not intended on public roads unless it is registered as a specially-constructed vehicle and it also may not be eligible for resale. So it looks like anyone who does buy one will have to be prepared to keep it for display rather than daily use.
