Singapore-based start-up QIQ Global wants to implement a shared electric-car service similar to BlueSG in Singapore.
The difference — these microcars, called "QIQ pods" will only be 2.4m long, 1m wide, and only have two seats, reported CNA.
Microcars which do not require license to drive
According to QIQ Global's website, the pods are able to run up to 25km with just seven minutes of charging from a standard 220v outlet.
The pods are powered by ultracapacitors which are similar to batteries. However, these capacitors are fully recyclable, unlike lithium batteries.
The maximum speed of these microcars is 45km/h and one does not require a license to drive the pods, the website stated.
The pods also have an integrated GPS system as well as a camera vision to aid autonomous driving.
via QIQ Global website.
As the pods will be shared among strangers, there will be a cleaning crew to ensure the pods are hygienic to use.
The pods will also be sanitised with UVC light whenever they are not in use, Business Times (BT) reported.
Plans to launch in Punggol next year
These pods will enable commuters to make that last journey between the MRT station and their homes.
“If your intention is simply to get from point A to point B, there’s no longer a need to have a personal car,” co-founder Justin Sim told BT.
Sim said that such a service will be useful in neighbourhoods like Punggol, where many commuters might still need to walk or take a bus to LRT and MRT stations.
The company intends to ensure that these QIQ pods will only be used for this purpose by using GPS and radio frequencies to draw a virtual boundary. This will limit the regions where the pods are allowed to travel, CNA reported.
The company intends to start with 300 to 600 pods in Punggol and will be launching a prototype this month.
The company aims to have the pods park at the nearest charging stations on their own, at MRT stations or residential estates.
They also aim to use a method called platooning, where only one human-driven pod will be needed to lead a convoy of pods to help distribute them to where they are needed.
The service will likely cost S$2 for a 30-minute ride, and between S$30 and S$50 a month to use the pod any time you wish.
In the BT report, Sim added that logistics and delivery companies have also shown interest in QIQ pods.
QIQ Global has successfully launched electric bikes and scooters in Vietnam over the past two years.
This is likely the first time QIQ Global is launching its fleet of electric microcars.
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Top image from QIQ Global website.