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RBW EV Cars has officially launched Spirit EV, a new business-to-business venture specializing in EV design, build, and integration services. Spirit EV offers its proprietary powertrain system, which powers the RBW Roadster and GT models, to other car manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Lichfield, England, with a technical center opening in Danville, Virginia. Spirit EV aims to support both established and new car builders in integrating electric vehicle (EV) technologies, providing extensive engineering expertise to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Key Highlights:
- Spirit EV offers a fully compliant EV integration service for the automotive industry.
- Headquartered in the UK, with a new technical center opening in Danville, Virginia, in 2025.
- Provides expertise in EV powertrain integration and compliance with safety standards.
- Neil Heslington, a veteran in electric vehicle integration, leads Spirit EV.
The launch of Spirit EV coincides with RBW’s introduction of its left-hand drive GT and Roadster models in the U.S. and the upcoming factory in Danville, Virginia, which is expected to be operational by February 2025. Spirit EV’s services are designed for both established manufacturers and new players in the EV market, allowing companies to outsource individual components or entire projects for electric vehicle development.
Spirit EV’s technical team has spent the past seven years designing, testing, and certifying the powertrain used in the RBW Roadster and GT models. This powertrain features a front-mounted battery and a rear subframe-integrated drivetrain, ensuring optimal vehicle balance and safety. The team is led by Neil Heslington, who brings over 44 years of experience, including significant work with major automotive brands such as Audi, General Motors, and Mercedes McLaren.
Peter Swain, CEO of RBW EV Cars, emphasized Spirit EV’s focus on safety and agility, stating, “Spirit EV takes all the learning from a highly experienced and talented EV team and produces a safe, agile EV service to businesses. Our Spirit EV team exemplifies these principles, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.”
The Spirit EV System offers a unique advantage by integrating the drivetrain into the rear subframe, minimizing stress on the vehicle body and enhancing safety. This system’s design also provides a 50:50 weight distribution for superior handling. Spirit EV’s platform is adaptable to a range of vehicle types, making it suitable for diverse electrification projects.
Spirit EV is REG 100 approved and adheres to ISO 9001 standards, which accelerates project timelines and reduces costs by up to 80%. The company’s Accredited Automotive Development Programme ensures a structured development process, from prototype builds to production, with after-sales support included.
The Spirit EV System will be showcased at SEMA 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where RBW and Spirit EV founder Peter Swain will also give a presentation on EV system integrity.
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