2-22-22 was an exiting day at the RAMP (new Arcimoto Manufacturing Plant). Full of people and positive buzz, workers were toiling away while visitors walked past roped off work areas. Several workers answered questions. Some were busy operating equipment. Some were selling us cool hats and t-shirts.
The event started off with a presentation by Mark Frohnmayer, and these are some of my notes based on the information he gave.
RAMP Remodeling
The RAMP manufacturing plant will be getting phased remodeling. Several buildings will be removed, while Building H and and Loading Dock will be added to the SW corner of the main building (A/B1). Parking lots will be upgraded and green space added.
Torque Vectoring (software power steering at very low speeds)
Will be “feature complete” later spring (by June 20th). Testing and validation will follow. Ready for customers by fall (December 20th).
Stafl Systems has helped develop the software and torque vectoring is currently on stock Arcimotos.
Thoughts: Arcimotos around the world will yip with joy along with owners who will then be able to parallel park with complete ease. I'm starting a count down to December 20th but with Arcimoto's poor track record on timelines I'm not holding my breath.
App
Will be ready when torque vectoring is released (December 20th). Includes ability to remotely power on, access to system diagnosis, connect directly with service center, and make rental system easier.
Thoughts: Do you remember the iOS only Mobile App they previewed 5 years ago? Well this one is a very simplified version. It was not specified as to which operating systems they would support.
Battery
The next generation battery system from Farasis (battery supplier) is in the testing and validation process. It will give an “incremental increase” in range. Bloomberg article claims the new cell has 25% more energy density than a typical lithium-ion battery available in cars today. Production will start at the end of this quarter (March 30th).
Thoughts: Yay?
Platform 1.x
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| Current Platform 1 |
Changes in the base platform of "Platform 1" will reduce complexity and make it more scalable. Work is done by Arcimoto, Monro, Stafl Systems, Electric Goddess, and others. Includes mechanical refinements of drive system and electrical system optimizations helping to drive down costs and improve manufacturability. Prototype expected by spring (June 20th), validation and testing in quarter 3 (September 30th), and production by quarter 1 2023 (March 30th, 2023).
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| Future Platform 1.x |
Thoughts: When I compared pictures of the new Platform 1.x to the current version, I found some interesting differences. The spring/shocks will be at a 45 degree and closer to the wheel. It appears the inverters will be horizontally placed instead of vertical. And this last point might allow for different brand/style of inverters and on board charger. As you'll recall, the current on board charger has been "reliable challenged." In addition, front wheel armature looks to be simplified with less welded parts.
Production
3x more for 2022 (370[est] * 3 = 1110), 7x more using the updated Platform 1.x for 2023 (370[est] * 7 = 2590) and 50,000 by December 2025. The 7x number was not defined as 7x 2021 numbers or 7x 2022 numbers.
Platform 1.x will be the foundation for Rapid Responder, Deliverator, and Flatbed.
Thoughts: The slow ramp up is to be expected. I would venture to guess they will not meet their production quotas in the future. Between continuing to refine the platform, parts shortages, inflation, and their likelihood of running short of money, it is amazing they are still in business.
Mean Lean Machine ebikes (MLM)
You can pedal to charge the battery. The whole assembly tilts and it can go up to 28 mph. This picture is a prototype so changes are to be expected in the final version. Arcimoto is targeting a release at the end of 2022/Q4. More specs are available at Arcimoto.
Thoughts: I love the idea. A little worried Arcimoto is getting stretched thin as far as staff and money. But it is a great product and will be very interesting to watch. I doubt we will see these shipping at the end of the year. More than likely their timeline will slip to 2023/2024. Price? Mark Frohnmayer earlier had noted they were shooting for $2000 but my guess is they will introduce it around $3000-$6000. They'll likely need it as a revenue maker while Arcimoto is still slow to gain traction.
Battery 2
These are cylindrical cells much like Tesla’s 4680. Design is by Arcimoto and Electric Goddess. Designing in house cylindrical format cells allows for supply chain redundancy, range options, higher density, scaleable production, and a thermally safer format. Plan to commercialize the battery with DW Fritz of Wilsonville, Oregon.
Thoughts: I think this is way out in the future. 2026? My guess is the concept and desire to make quality cylindrical batteries is in response to Farasis less efficient pouch system and Tesla's unwillingness to sell their 4680 as of yet.
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