ACE EV X1 Transformer

At some point, the oil is going to run out and as a consequence, electric vehicles are coming whether we like it or not. Aussie company ACE EV’s X1 Transformer could be the base for an electric campervan.

The LWB high-roof van is one of seven permutations available in ACE EV’s modular X1 Transformer. Australian electric vehicle manufacturer ACE EV Group has launched its new X1 Transformer modular platform to take electric light commercial vehicles to the next level.

The launch was hosted online by the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A), the Asia Pacific professional body for automotive and mobility engineering.

The Transformer’s modular architecture offers interchangeable modules for long and short wheelbase, high and low roof, van, and ute, and can change modules in just 15 minutes.

ACE EV managing director and co-founder Greg McGarvie said the X1 was aimed at major fleets around the world as an integrated energy, transport, and communications system.

“We are a focused energy and software company with a Mobile Energy Management System (MEMS) that delivers new ways for energy and transport to work together,” he said.

ACE EV X1 Transformer side on

“For busy freight companies with their major distribution centres, the X1 enables them to fit a pre-packed module straight onto its electric platform and be on its way in 15 minutes.

“One platform can carry whatever cargo module is required – van or ute, high or low roof – so it is constantly earning its keep, whatever each individual freight mission maybe.”

A key feature of the X1 Transformer platform is advanced V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology which connects it via the Cloud to telematics, software updates, emergency power, and ACE’s pioneering Smart Energy Wallet.

Mr. McGarvie said ACE EV had won $5 million in Federal Government funding through the strong advocacy of Senator Rex Patrick for an energy management trial to start early next year using the X1 Transformer as its test platform.

“Our Advanced Australian Vehicle To Grid (AAV2G) project will deliver bi-directional transfer between vehicle, building, and grid with integrated onboard energy metering,” he said.

“The system will enable the X1 Transformer to power an entire home or business, with the vehicle battery storing energy from rooftop solar cells or from the grid,” he said.

ACE EV X1 Transformer rear

“It can charge when the sun shines, provide night-time energy needs, supply emergency power when needed, feedback into the grid and, of course, run the vehicle itself.

“We intend to have X1 Transformer trial vehicles on the road this November, with a view to beginning full-scale systems testing in April next year.”

More information will be available on the ACE EV website next month.

Specifications: ACE EV Group X1 Transformer
Performance
Rated Power/Peak Power90 kW
Rated Torque/Max.Torque255 N m
Max. Speed (km/h)90 km/h
Weights & Dimensions
GVM2535kg
CVW1425kg
Payload1110(including box) 
L x W x H without box5090 x 1780 x 1885 mm
L x W x H with max box5156 × 1810 × 2370 mm
Wheelbase3285 mm
Charging performance
Charging time (AC ) 8 hours
Charging time (DC 5%-80%) min45 minutes
Battery Capacity52.5 KWh 
energy consumption WLTP combined 23~27.6 KWh/100km
autonomy WLTP combined 215~258 km
autonomy WLTP urban 303~354 km
Chassis
Suspension – Front/rearMcPherson Struts/leaf springs
Wheels & tyres15″ Steel (Alloy optl) 185/65R15C 
Comfort and Convenience
Air conditioning & heated seatsS
Cruise control, Central locking with 2 remote keysS
MP5+DAB+Bluetooth, 7″ touchscreenS
Apple Carplay & QDLink S
Power windows; Electrically Heated Exterior MirrorS
Height adjustable leather steering wheelS
4-direction Adjustable Driver’s SeatS
Automatic On/Off HeadlightsS
Charging
6m Charging cable (EVSE cable-3 pin 10A)S
6m Charging cable (Type 2,Model 3, 32A)S

By Marty Ledwich

Marty Ledwich is a writer and photographer who is on the road full-time with his wife, Kylie, towing their off-road Roadstar caravan with a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series. Marty was a volunteer in the Victoria Sate Emergency Service for 30 years and has travelled extensively around Australia.

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