LEVC launches new BEV platform

Geely’s subsidiary LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has presented its modular electric platform SOA (Space Oriented Architecture), which was developed together with the parent company. With this, the manufacturer wants to become “a leading global provider of purely electric mobility solutions”.

The first LEVC model based on the SOA will be “a completely new offering, launching LEVC into new sectors, in addition to its existing products”. The manufacturer does not yet provide further details. However, it will probably not be another taxi. A photo published with the announcement shows a model of the platform with seats arranged in three rows, but it is not mentioned whether these will be housed in an SUV-like body or a van body.

Very flexible and open-source

The platform supports various electric vehicle types, from passenger transport to freight. Everything is possible with a length of 4 860 mm to 5 995 mm, a width of 1 945 mm to 1 998 mm, and wheelbases of 3 000 mm to 3 800 mm. It also allows vehicles with front, rear, and all-wheel drive. In addition, there are three different-sized battery packs with an energy content of 73 kWh, 102 kWh, or 120 kWh for ranges of up to 695 kilometers.

Geely and LEVC spent two and a half years developing the platform. It is conceivable that other group brands will also use it. SOA is also an open-source platform. This means that it will also be available to manufacturers outside the Geely Group in the future.

LEVC does not mention specifically whether the Space Oriented Architecture is technically related to Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Geely had already confirmed at the presentation of the SEA in 2020 that not only e-cars from the compact to the luxury class were possible on the platform, but also light commercial vehicles.

Provider of e-mobility solutions

LEVC is starting “a significant new chapter in its history and setting the course for the next decade and beyond,” according to the press release. LEVC wants to move from being a taxi manufacturer to a leading e-mobility solutions provider.

The battery sits in the middle, so the vehicle’s floor is flat and “maximizes space for occupants, charging or both”. To this end, the layout of the electric powertrain components at the front of the vehicle has also been optimized, creating additional space for the driver and passenger. According to LEVC, it is possible to use 75% of the vehicle’s length for the interior. This compares with a maximum of 67% for the competition.

“Building on LEVC’s unrivaled heritage in producing the iconic London black cab, we are adapting our business to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for spacious, flexible electric vehicles,” said LEVC CEO Alex Nan. “Our rich history is combined with the resources of the Geely organization to set our brand on an exciting new path, as LEVC today launches an adaptable architecture for an adapting world, he added.

New connectivity platform

The group also presented the new connectivity platform L-OS, which is to include all components from the chip to the cloud – and to enable autonomous capabilities from level 2 to 4 in the LECV vehicles, for example. In addition, the cockpit is to become more digital and intelligent.

So far, LEVC offers the TX taxi and the VN5 van derived from it. The duo can run on electricity but has an internal combustion engine as a range extender. Earlier this year, it was leaked that LEVC was planning to become a purely electric vehicle manufacturer.