Kate, a French automaker, is looking to change the way people think about transportation in urban and suburban areas with their new ultra-compact electric car. The company, which has acquired French company NOSMOKE to reuse some of the company’s work on a new type of vehicle, the K1.
The K1: A Heavy Quadricycle for Everyday Use
The K1 is a heavy quadricycle with four seats and a top speed of 90km/h. It can be driven with a B1 driving license in France and is designed for everyday use, particularly for people living in mid-sized cities or the countryside. With 98% of trips in Europe being shorter than 80km, Kate believes that the K1 is the perfect solution for people who need a vehicle for short trips.
Targeting an Entry Price of €15,000
Kate is targeting an entry price of around €15,000 with a battery range of 200km. The company plans to produce 4 times more vehicles every year and introduce the K1 later this year, with sales starting in 2024. The CEO of Kate, Matthias Goldenberg, has stated that their goal is to produce 200 vehicles per day in five years.
Modularity and Durability
Kate’s goal is to create a mass-market vehicle that is as modular and durable as possible, with hardware and software updates. The car should remain usable for a long time even if you don’t change any components. Kate is opting for LFP batteries (with lithium, iron, and phosphate) for a considerably longer cycle life. In terms of entertainment systems, Kate will have basic software features in the car, but users will have to rely on their smartphones for better driving directions or listening to their own podcasts.
Targeting an Unproven Market
Kate is targeting an unproven market, but given the success of similar vehicles such as the Citroen Ami and Renault Zoe, they believe there is potential for their ultra-compact car. The company has plans for a car-sharing service, similar to car-sharing companies such as ZipCar and Car2Go, where customers will be able to rent the K1 by the hour or day. Kate also plans to target fleet customers such as delivery companies and ride-sharing services, as the compact size and low cost of the K1 make it well-suited for these types of applications.
Customization and Financing Options
Kate also plans to offer a range of customization options for the K1, including different color schemes and custom branding for fleet customers. The company also intends to offer financing and leasing options for customers, making it more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people. Kate is also planning to set up a network of dealerships and charging stations across Europe, to support the growth of the K1.
Sustainability at the Core
Kate is also focusing on sustainability, the company plans to use recycled materials in the production of the K1 and will have a recycling program for end-of-life vehicles. Kate will also be designing the K1 to be easily disassembled and recycled, with the goal of minimizing the car’s environmental impact. Kate is also committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its production process, and plans to use renewable energy sources in its factories. Additionally, Kate is exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells as an option for the K1, which would make the car even more environmentally friendly.
Complete Mobility Solutions
Kate’s ultimate goal is to offer an efficient, sustainable, and affordable car for everyday use and change the mobility landscape in urban and suburban areas. To achieve this goal, Kate is also looking at how to integrate with other forms of transportation, such as public transportation, bike-sharing, and ride-sharing services, to offer a complete mobility solution for its customers. The company plans to develop an app that will allow users to plan their trips and choose the most efficient mode of transportation for their needs, whether it be a K1, public transportation, bike-sharing, or ride-sharing.
With its focus on affordability, sustainability, and ease of use, Kate aims to be a major player in the urban and suburban transportation space. The company’s goal is to revolutionize the way people think about transportation in urban and suburban areas and make it more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for everyone. The K1, with its compact size, low cost, and sustainable features, is the perfect vehicle to achieve this goal. The company’s plans for car-sharing, financing, and partnerships with other transportation companies make it more accessible for a wider range of people. Kate’s ambitious plans for the future of transportation are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
