Developing "Super Budget-Friendly" EVs for the City Commute - ARK Motors' CEO, Yilmaz Bora

UK startup ARK is developing compact and affordable electric vehicles (EVs) for urban dwellers. It's using aluminium instead of steel for the body of its vehicles, This makes them lightweight and helps to increase energy efficiency.

"ARK was born out of the desire to reimagine urban mobility," Yilmaz Bora, Founder and CEO of ARK, tells Auto Futures.

"Witnessing the environmental issues and congestion of city traffic, we wanted to create a sustainable solution that is efficient, affordable, and practical for city dwellers. This led to the birth of ARK."

Its flagship product is the ARK Zero, an EV with a range of 50.3 miles (81 kilometers) and space for two adults (plus a dog). It takes 6-8 hours to charge the battery.

The company describes it as the UK's most affordable EV. 

Its compact size allows for ease of parking, fitting into a 1/4 of a regular parking space. It boasts an efficient electric motor and a lithium-ion battery providing a generous range suitable for day-to-day urban travel. It's small footprint and electric powertrain also mean zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air in our cities. It's also super budget-friendly, given its low operating costs," says Bora.

The ARK Zero is aimed at customers who are seeking a greener and cost-effective mode of transportation.

"Since our launch, we have seen several consumer groups order ARK Zero. For young consumers, it's their first car; for others, it's a complimentary short-distance car addition to their current electric car."

Built For City Commuting

Choosing aluminium over steel was a conscious decision rooted in ARK's goal to minimise the vehicle's weight.

"This choice helps maximise its range, increase its energy efficiency, and contribute to its agile and easy-to-handle nature. Besides, aluminium is highly recyclable, aligning with our commitment to sustainability." 

Safety has also been a top priority in the design and development of ARK Zero, which has a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, says Bora.

"Though compact, it comes equipped with an array of safety features. The chassis of the vehicle is designed from high-strength aluminum, ensuring a robust protective shell. This unique composition strikes a perfect balance between weight efficiency and impact resistance. Inside, the ARK Zero features a smartly designed cabin fitted with seatbelts, and an ergonomic layout for easy access to all controls, enhancing the safety of the driver," he explains.

"The vehicle's low-speed operation also inherently contributes to overall safety, as it's meant for city commuting and not high-speed highway travel," adds Bora.

ARK's initial focus is on the UK market, and it will offer test drives from August onwards to give potential customers a first-hand experience of the ARK Zero. It plans on a phased roll-out to other European markets later in the year. 

The Rise of Self-Driving Cars 

ARK says it is already working on its next model, It has also revealed plans to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service.

"We are certainly working very hard to explore possibilities in the autonomous ride-hailing space. ARK Zero's compact and efficient design makes it an ideal candidate for such applications. We're looking at potential partnerships with the government and local authorities in this area."

Finally, we asked Bora what urban mobility will look like by the end of the decade.

"By 2030, we envision a significant shift towards sustainable and shared mobility solutions. With the advancement of autonomous technology, we anticipate seeing self-driving cars becoming more prevalent. We also expect greater utilisation of electric vehicles like our ARK Zero for personal transport, delivery services, and shared mobility," he predicts.

"We hope to see cities with less congestion, cleaner air, and more efficient transportation systems. In our vision, we want to make car ownership irrelevant by offering convenient and affordable autonomous rides," concludes Bora.