The world of heavy quadricycle welcomes a new player: Electricbrands. This German brand has developed a 100% electric and modular light vehicle that it will market in France from next year. The order book is open and the entry ticket has already been set at € 18,500.
The Citroën Ami, Renault Twizy and other carts will have to deal with a new player called Electricbrands. This very young German brand, initially specializing in the distribution of mobility vehicles, has embarked on the manufacture of an urban vehicle with a neo-retro design, whose lines recall those of a VW Combi, the UAZ-452 or the recent Honda e.
A modular vehicle …
Electricbrands wanted to take the opposite view of generalist manufacturers who offer imposing vehicles equipped with large batteries. Its first model “Xbus” is a modular platform 3.95 m long (10 cm less than a Twingo) on which it is possible to graft one of the 8 bodies offered in the catalog: minibus, dump truck, cargo, pick-up, motorhome …
Two chassis variants are available: normal or all-terrain. On the latter, invoiced at an additional € 2,200, the vehicles benefit from a sharper look with bull bar, increased ground clearance and specific tires. In all cases, the vehicle receives all-wheel drive since each of the wheels is equipped with an electric motor with a unit power of 3.75 kW.
The batteries are housed in a drawer under the floor. The motors take place in the wheels.
… 100% electric!
Quadricycle requires, the Xbus electromotors deliver a limited total power: 15 kW (rated power) and up to 56 kW (76 hp) peak. As standard, the vehicle offers 200 km of range thanks to its 8 batteries of 1.25 kWh each. It is possible to triple the bet to obtain up to 30 kWh and a range of 600 km. An addition that can be made even after the purchase of the vehicle with a financial extension.
To fill up with additional energy, the designers have also grafted photovoltaic panels with a surface area of 1 to 5 m² on the roof, depending on the version chosen. The smallest area is already able to store up to 2 kWh / day. The advantage of this vehicle also lies in its reduced weight: it does not exceed 800 kg (empty) depending on the version. Performance side, not enough to panic the counters with a maximum speed limited to 100 km / h. At the same time, the machine does not inspire to go faster. To be checked during a future test …
Xbus data sheet
| Xbus | Xbus Offroad | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) |
3.95 x 1.63 x 1.96 m | 3.95 x 1.69 x 2.04 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.20 m | 2.20 m |
| Ground clearance | 200 mm | 240-260 mm |
| Engines | 4 wheel hub motors at 3.75 KW continuous power |
|
| Total power / Peak power |
15/56 kW | 15/56 kW |
| Battery capacity | 10 kWh to 30 kWh | 10 kWh to 30 kWh |
An existing range and distribution network
A large 10.2-inch touchscreen is integrated as standard.
Electribrands hides its game well! The craftsman already has about sixty points of sale and hopes to reach 100 distributors / repairers in the coming months. The first units will begin to be assembled in spring 2022 in a factory dedicated to the brand north of Hamburg, Germany, and delivered immediately. All models already have a price that can be found on the online configurator (or below). The entry ticket is set at € 18,414, excluding the ecological bonus, for the single cabin pick-up version. Count € 29,728 for the converted motorhome version with bedroom and kitchenette. The small German brand already has big ambitions with a forecast of 30,000 units in a full year of marketing, including 6,000 copies just for the French market.
Xbus price (October 2021)
| Standard | All Terrain | |
| Pick-up (single cabin) | € 18,414 | € 20,632 |
| Universal (pickup truck) | € 21,741 | € 23,960 |
| Koffer (raised van) | € 20,188 | € 22,407 |
| Pick-up (double cabin) | € 20,521 | € 22,740 |
| Bus | € 21,741 | € 23,960 |
| Pick up (convertible double cabin) | € 23,072 | € 25,291 |
| Kipper (with tipper) | € 24,736 | € 26,954 |
| Camp | € 29,728 | € 31,946 |
In addition to the additional battery packs, options exist such as air conditioning (€ 504), front / rear parking aid (€ 252), the 11 kW type 2 rapid charger (€ 595) or 17 ” aluminum rims (625 €).
