Uniti (automobile)

Uniti publicly exhibited the one-piece cockpit concept, called Kepler Pod, for the first time during the 2016 CeBit event.[5] The cockpit has been coupled with a virtual reality system to showcase the head-up display technology which will be featured in the car. Different exterior design concepts have been displayed during early 2017.[6][7]

Initially, the two and four seater vehicles (depending on the version) were designed to comply with the regulatory vehicle category of 450 kg heavy quadricycles (L7e),[8] like quads and e.g. the electric Renault Twizy.

To be lightweight and safe, sustainable composite biomaterials and carbon fibers will be used. Uniti vehicle was supposed to have 2 electric motors delivering a total output 15 kW (40 kW peak), which allows the vehicle to reach 0 to 80 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 90 km/h to 130 km/h depending on the version. The urban electric car was supposed to have a Li-Ion battery which supports induction and plug-in charge, and capable of supplying 11 to 20 kWh of energy. Depending on the version, the range per charge varies from 150 km to 300 km. The Swedish car will feature technologies designed in-house such as a steer-by-wire system, an interactive HUD windscreen, a digital human-machine interaction capacity, as well as autonomous driving functions.[9]

In February 2018, the company showcased a two-seater at the Auto Expo in Greater Noida, India. The company also announced a partnership with the Delhi-based Bird Group to bring a five-seater car to the Indian market by 2020.[10][11]

In July 2018, Uniti announced that both the 2-seater Uniti One and a later 4/5-seat model will be in the M1 class, like proper automobiles, which means that the Uniti cars will undergo the same crash tests and safety requirements as regular automobiles.[12]

The Uniti One will be a 2-seat 100% electric city car, with internet access and innovative cockpit design comparable to using a smartphone. The asymmetric seat configuration, with the passenger behind the driver, is actually 1+1, like on a motorbike, or in the Renault Twizy. With less width and frontal area than a regular car, the Uniti One should be easier to handle and park in tight European cities, while having less drag and better range on interstate highways than most small electric cars. Modern safety features include a sensor suite and safety technologies (ADAS) to help avoid crashes before they happen. It is supposed to be Fleet Ready, prepared for the needs of businesses and car-sharing services, which may include sharing the car among relatives, friends, and neighbors without dealing with keys.

The target specifications, as of April 2019, include 240 km range, 130 km/h top speed, rear-wheel-drive dual motors with an output of 120 kW (163 hp). With power similar to a carbonfiber BMW i3, but at 900 kg gross weight less than that of a 2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, the Uniti One should accelerate even quicker than these. The 26 kWh battery pack can be charged by DC fast charging (CCS Combo 2 for Europe) in 25 minutes from 20 to 80% state of charge, which equals to an average of 37 kW. The given values mean that the consumption is around 10,8 kWh per 100 km.

In 2021, a new prototype was shown to investors, making use of the existing Chinese made Zhidou D3 with some minor cosmetic alterations. The Zhidou was manufactured by Geely and had been subsequently discontinued. Further investment was not forthcoming and the car never reached production.[20]