Helixxhas a unique vision of urban mobility.
The British startup has engineered a range of affordable electric vehicles.
The company also designed a manufacturing system for the EVs.
But Helixx doesnt plan to actually build the cars.
Instead, it wants Helixx customers to build them.
At first glance, that may look like a lazy strategy.
The project promises rapid results.
The Helixx concept applies the McDonalds franchise model to vehicle production.
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The digital production ecosystem is supplied tobusinesses, entrepreneurs, and local governmentsas a manufacturing license.
The licensees then become the official vehicle manufacturers.
It removes the need to know how to manufacture vehicles.
Helixx also provides the infrastructure, equipment, robotics, and IT systems.
Once a hub is operational, it becomes fully integrated into the Helixx ecosystem.
An app then manages the entire end-to-end process, from customer orders to component procurement and delivery.
As the platform matures, so will the product portfolio, withHelixxadding further vehicles in the future.
Helixx is targeting the system at densely populated regions of emerging markets.
Many of them will live in megacities of developing countries.
Helixx is betting that theyll flock to small, affordable, and zero-emission vehicles.
The overall cost of consumer vehicles and electrified choices we see today are mostly out of the price range.
As everything falls within the Helixx ecosystem, hubs can also trade with each other.
Further efficiencies will be driven by automation.
When components need upgrading,AIprogrammes will automatically trigger maintenance or replacement within the digital supply chain.
Helixx has also integrated the Siemens Xcelerator.
The software suite can create a digital twin for every element of the manufacturing ecosystem.
He estimates that the costs and complexity of the entire operational chain have already been reduced by 20%.
Thestartupis now establishing pilot hubs in the UK and Singapore.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
