The idea of a carbon-free automobile fleet is not new in Brazil. Since the government’s Proálcool program and the Gurgel prototype—the country’s first electric car, produced in the 1980s—Brazil has tried to be on the forefront of cleaner and more efficient transportation alternatives. Now, supported by new technologies, Brazilian startups have decided to turn the dream into reality. However, some of the old obstacles—such as taxes and lack of structure—still pose a challenge.
Mobilis is one of these companies. The startup founded in Santa Catarina in 2013 needed just BRL 600,000 to produce Li, its electric vehicle propelled by a Lithium battery. The car’s minimum viable product (MVP) is reminiscent of a hi-tech golf cart: it has no doors, an aluminum chassis, and lots of integrated tech systems. The two-seater vehicle can hold up to 450 kilos and, depending on the battery’s power, it can travel 100 kilometers on one full charge.
According to Mahatma Marostica, a mechanical engineer and Mobilis co-founder, it was only possible to produce a line of vehicles at such a low cost due to new and cheaper technologies.
“You don’t need to invest in a huge factory to produce motors like carmakers used to. The car is assembled almost like a Lego model nowadays. Before you needed about 5,000 pieces to build a power train, now you only need 600; with 3D printing, you don’t have to buy an expensive injection mold to produce a plastic piece. We saw this conjunction of factors as an opportunity,” he told The Brazilian Report.
Mobilis’ next frontier is bringing Li to urban areas—it currently operates only in closed spaces, such as industries and luxury condominiums. The new model is under a confirmation process, and it will have more features such as doors, airbags, and an anti-lock braking system. The company expects to sell it for urban use by 2020....
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