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Rethinking 'Electric Vehicles From the Ground up' - Gecko Motors' Founder & Chairman, Jeff Liu

Adrian Smith
- Sep 24 2024
Gecko Motors Founder Chairman Jeff Liu

Gecko Motors was founded in 2022 with a vision to challenge traditional automotive conventions. Its journey began in China, where a team of engineers and designers united to 'rethink electric vehicles from the ground up'.

"We aimed to offer more than just a mode of transport; we wanted to create vehicles that meet the evolving demands of the modern world," Jeff Liu, Founder and Chairman of Gecko Motors, tells Auto Futures.

The company announced its official entry into the European market with the launch of its MagicWay electric van at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany.

The cross-level wide-body van is built on Gecko’s advanced digital chassis.

"The MagicWay van stands out due to the technology behind it – skateboard chassis. it maximizes the space of the van and provides the largest cargo and cabin room at the same size. The lowest cargo floor height of 495mm makes it super easy to load and offload goods," says Liu.

The commercial vehicle offers WLTP range up to 550 km. With the REEV (Range-extended EV) version, the range can go up to over 1000 km.

"The skateboard chassis also makes vehicle conversion faster and easier. MagicWay provides a more connected and efficient smart experience with ADAS, cargo monitor, weight monitor, remote control app, fleet management functions, and more, making it ideal for companies looking for modern and reliable electric vehicles," he explains.

The MagicWay has undergone rigorous testing to meet or exceed global safety standards.

"The van is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the MagicWay's advanced digital chassis provides real-time data monitoring, allowing for predictive maintenance and enhanced vehicle control, reducing the risk of accidents"

"The battery system is equally secure, featuring multiple layers of protection to prevent overheating and ensure stability even in extreme conditions. All these elements combine to make the MagicWay not just a reliable and efficient vehicle, but also one of the safest options in the electric vehicle market," says Liu.

Gecko Motors Founder Chairman Jeff Liu

Connected Journeys

The MagicWay is Gecko's first move into Europe.

"Europe represents a huge opportunity for Gecko Motors due to its forward-thinking environmental policies, growing demand for electric vehicles, and focus on reducing emissions. Our decision to enter the European market is driven by a combination of these factors, alongside a strong interest from businesses seeking sustainable fleet solutions," says Liu.

"With our MagicWay, we aim to meet the needs of European customers by achieving prices comparable to those of traditional combustion engine commercial vehicles. We can rely on our supply chain and production facilities in China for this. However, we will also need to collaborate with local companies," he adds.

The MagicWay features Gecko's on-board operating system, Poly OS. It offers features such as automatic driving assistant system (ADAS), voice control, a large touchscreen, and fleet management tools.

"Its primary advantage is the seamless integration of all vehicle components, ensuring real-time communication between the various systems of the van, such as the battery, the skateboard chassis, and safety features. This ensures optimized performance and enhanced safety."

Poly OS is open for customisation by customers with different business needs.

"For fleet operators, Poly OS provides advanced fleet management tools, allowing for precise tracking, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. This translates into reduced downtime and lower operational costs. For drivers, Poly OS enhances the driving experience with an intuitive interface, offering real-time feedback on vehicle performance, energy efficiency, and road conditions. The system also includes smart driving aids, ensuring a safer and more connected journey." says Liu.

Gecko Motors Founder Chairman Jeff Liu

Adopting Greener Solutions

Liu believes that autonomous vehicles (AVs) will play a major role in the future of transportation, particularly in urban environments and logistics.

"Gecko Motors is constantly exploring new technologies, and while we are not currently developing fully autonomous vehicles, it’s an area we’re keeping a close eye on. In our vision, with skateboard chassis, the future is not just autonomous driving, but also automation in specific business scenarios. Dedicated conversion vehicles for harbour, warehouse, etc.," he says

Finally, we asked Liu, what last-mile logistics will look like by the end of the decade.

"By 2030, we anticipate that last-mile logistics will be dominated by electric and autonomous vehicles, optimizing delivery times and reducing environmental impact. Cities are likely to adopt stricter emissions regulations, which will push companies to adopt greener solutions. The integration of AI and real-time data will allow for more efficient routing and reducing traffic congestion," he prediicts.

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