LEVC presents new BEV platform ‘SOA’

Geely’s subsidiary LEVC has presented its modular electric platform SOA (Space Oriented Architecture), which was developed together with the parent company. With this, the manufacturer wants to become the global “leading provider of purely electric mobility solutions”.

The first LEVC model based on the SOA is to be “a completely new offering, launching LEVC into new sectors, in addition to its existing products”. The manufacturer does not yet provide further details. However, it will probably not be another taxi. A photo published with the announcement shows a model of the platform with seats arranged in three rows, but it is not mentioned whether these will be housed in an SUV-like body or a van body.

The platform supports a variety of electric vehicle types from passenger transport to freight. With a length of 4,860 mm to 5,995 mm and a width of 1,945 mm to 1,998 mm with wheelbases of 3,000 mm to 3,800 mm, everything is possible. It also allows vehicles with front, rear and all-wheel drive. In addition, there are three different-sized battery packs with an energy content of 73 kWh, 102 kWh or 120 kWh for ranges of up to 695 kilometres.

Geely spent two and a half years developing the platform. It is conceivable that it will also be used by other group brands. SOA is also an open-source platform. This means that it will also be available to manufacturers outside the Geely Group in the future.

LEVC does not mention whether the Space Oriented Architecture is technically related to Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Geely had already confirmed at the presentation of the SEA in 2020 that not only e-cars from the compact to the luxury class were possible on the platform, but also light commercial vehicles. This is confirmed by LEVC: The E/E architecture of the SOA is based on GEEA2.0, which Geely announced in November 2021.

The carmaker is starting “a significant new chapter in its history and setting the course for the next decade and beyond,” according to the statement. The goal is not only to become a pure e-mobility provider – LEVC also wants to move from being a taxi manufacturer to a leading provider of e-mobility solutions.

The battery is located in the middle, which is why the floor of the vehicle is flat and “maximises space for occupants, charging or both”. To this end, the layout of the electric powertrain components at the front of the vehicle has also been optimised, creating additional space for the driver and passenger. According to LEVC, it is possible to use 75 per cent of the vehicle’s length for the interior. This compares with a maximum of 67 per cent for the competition.

The group also presented the new connectivity platform L-OS, which is to include all components from the chip to the cloud – and is to enable autonomous capabilities from level 2 to 4 in the LECV vehicles, for example. In addition, the cockpit is to become more digital and intelligent.

“Building on LEVC’s unrivalled heritage in producing the iconic London black cab, we are adapting our business to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for spacious, flexible electric vehicles,” said LEVC CEO Alex Nan, adding: “Our rich history is combined with the resources of the Geely organisation to set our brand on an exciting new path, as LEVC today launches an adaptable architecture for an adapting world.”

So far, LEVC offers the TX taxi and the VN5 van derived from it. The duo can run on electricity, but has an internal combustion engine as a range extender. Earlier this year, it was leaked that LEVC was planning to become a purely electric vehicle manufacturer.

Source: info via email, levc.com