Automotive

Neuron electric camper van and robo tiny home aim to disrupt travel

Neuron electric camper van and robo tiny home aim to disrupt travel
With enough battery capacity, one day electric mini-campervans might be able to power all their equipment (i.e. heater, cooktop, water pump, entertainment equipment) off a single vehicle battery and some solar panels
With enough battery capacity, one day electric mini-campervans might be able to power all their equipment (i.e. heater, cooktop, water pump, entertainment equipment) off a single vehicle battery and some solar panels
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A coffee cart or food truck is a natural use for Neuron's Multipurpose Autonomous Platform (MAP)
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A coffee cart or food truck is a natural use for Neuron's Modular Autonomous Platform (MAP)
MAP modules could be equipped with solar panels to assist with charging
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MAP modules could be equipped with solar panels to assist with charging
The MAP system would offer many different modules, including offices, storefronts, living areas and cargo crates
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The MAP system would offer many different modules, including offices, storefronts, living areas and cargo crates
If a camper van feels too cramped and automotive, perhaps you'd prefer a little glass living module on top of an autonomous skateboard
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If a cramper feels too cramped and automotive, perhaps you'd prefer a little glass living module on top of an autonomous skateboard
Neuron showed its modular electric bus vision over the summer (Northern Hemisphere)
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Neuron showed its modular electric bus vision over the summer (Northern Hemisphere)
Next up on Neuron's agenda: revealing the EUV and Electric Semi-Truck in November
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Next up on Neuron's agenda: revealing the EUV and Electric Semi-Truck in November — hopefully one or both will be an actual concept vehicle and not just more renderings
The Medium-Duty Electric Truck (MET) is a larger work truck for mining, logging, etc.
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The Medium-Duty Electric Truck (MET) is a larger work truck for mining, logging, etc.
Cruising the beach in the next-generation surf camper van
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Cruising the beach in the next-generation surf camper van
Both the MET (left) and STAR can be outfitted for different tasks with various rear modules
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Both the MET (left) and STAR can be outfitted for different tasks with various rear modules
With enough battery capacity, one day electric mini-campervans might be able to power all their equipment (i.e. heater, cooktop, water pump, entertainment equipment) off a single vehicle battery and some solar panels
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With enough battery capacity, one day electric mini-campervans might be able to power all their equipment (i.e. heater, cooktop, water pump, entertainment equipment) off a single vehicle battery and some solar panels
Alpine and Arctic exploration by electric expedition camper
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Alpine and Arctic exploration by electric expedition camper
Neuron has not yet talked about its powertrain technology, but renderings like this one hint that its vehicles will have an electric all-wheel drive of some sort
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Neuron has not yet talked about its powertrain technology, but renderings like this one hint that its vehicles will have an electric all-wheel drive of some sort
The little camper van with matching trailer is one of Neuron's highlights thus far
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The little camper van with matching trailer is one of Neuron's highlights thus far
Earlier this month, Neuron revealed renderings of the Medium-Duty Electric Truck (MET) and STAR mini truck
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Earlier this month, Neuron revealed renderings of the Medium-Duty Electric Truck (MET) and STAR mini truck
Neuron's HUB concept is very similar to other modular autonomous vehicle concepts, a skateboard-style chassis paired with different utility modules to fill many different vehicular roles
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Neuron's HUB concept is very similar to other modular autonomous vehicle concepts, a skateboard-style chassis paired with different utility modules to fill many different vehicular roles
In addition to new vehicle styles, Neuron EV imagines a more attractive, functional style of charging station
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In addition to new vehicle styles, Neuron EV imagines a more attractive, functional style of charging station
View gallery - 16 images

It's getting hard to keep track of all the electric vehicle startups these days. Which is just as well because it's inevitable some will never be heard from again. California-based startup Neuron EV stands out from the pack of easily forgottens. In preparing for a formal world premiere next month, it's been slowly introducing some promising ideas and smart designs that aim to redefine transportation. It'll have to convince us that its forthcoming electric SUV is any better than the many others out there, but outside-the-box concepts like a modular camper van/pickup truck and autonomously-driven glass tiny home are, so far, without equal.

Some might say that 2019 has been a lot like 2018, but not Neuron. After forming in 2017 and studying the evolving transportation market closely, the company hit the ground running earlier this year, weaving a barrage of hardware teasers into a greater automotive vision of a modular, multipurpose all-electric mobility system that will eventually be fully autonomous (and maybe even kind of fun). It's released no less than eight press releases since May detailing general and specific product plans.

Both the MET (left) and STAR can be outfitted for different tasks with various rear modules
Both the MET (left) and STAR can be outfitted for different tasks with various rear modules

Neuron's latest introduction came last week, when it showed modular electric truck designs in mini and medium-duty sizes. The smaller truck goes by the name STAR, which is sadly the most evocative name in the Neuron catalog. Neuron describes the STAR as a multipurpose micro truck, and at its most basic it's a compact pickup. In addition to performing pickup duties like hauling lumber and furniture, the STAR can accommodate various rear modules, including a cargo box and camper van cabin.

The camper van module is where Neuron steps beyond the "just another nobody with an EV rendering" phase to ... well, the "just another nobody with a really cool EV camper van rendering we'll remember past next week" phase. The van cabin docks neatly up against the STAR cab, creating a a cool, little mini-campervan shaped something like a reimagined VW T3 or third-generation Mitsubishi Delica (the 80s had some damn cool vans). A near-vertical face rises up to a windshield that angles its way into a horizontal roofline extending straight back to the edge of the vertical cliff of a rear-end.

Cruising the beach in the next-generation surf camper van
Cruising the beach in the next-generation surf camper van

The STAR brings back the timeless van box that the auto world desperately yearns for in the age of basset hound-joweled Ducatos and towering, top-heavy Transits and Sprinters. The VW-inspired two-tone color scheme only adds to the nostalgic appeal, while the tinted wraparound windshield, long panoramic side windows and full-width lighting modernize it to the EV standards of today. Rugged tires hint that Neuron has an all-terrain design in mind, likely with 2+ motors delivering all-wheel drive.

Those seeking an easier ride and a more semi-permanent form of mobile living might find another of Neuron's early design studies of interest. The Multipurpose Autonomous Platform (we warned you about those names) is a self-driving electric skateboard chassis that can accept all kinds of compatible modules, from standard shipping containers, to vendor kiosks, to temporary residences. Neuron shows that last one in the form of an attractive, little glass living room.

If a camper van feels too cramped and automotive, perhaps you'd prefer a little glass living module on top of an autonomous skateboard
If a cramper feels too cramped and automotive, perhaps you'd prefer a little glass living module on top of an autonomous skateboard

Rolling out cool renderings and flowery press releases is one thing, but if Neuron wants to hold the world's fleeting attention for more than a split second, it'll have to do a lot better. It'll take the next step at next month's International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where it plans to reveal its two latest vehicles: the Electric Utility Vehicle (EUV ... ugh) and Electric Semi-Truck (also ugh). Its press releases are rather vague, but its website mentions pre-production prototypes making an appearance, so we expect it to be a first look at actual physical Neuron vehicles.

Neuron better make its reveal something special. If not, it'll be but a brief flicker of light toward the edges of the long, thick shadow cast by Tesla's much-anticipated pickup truck, also debuting in November. Making that e-camper van one of the pre-production prototype reveals could be just the ticket. We'll find out when CIEE starts on November 5.

Source: Neuron EV

View gallery - 16 images
8 comments
8 comments
Marv Kirschnik
Nice..now just do t make them look like Orwellian soap boxes. Throw a little color on these puppies..you have the right idea..but who will buy these when all the other normal vehicles come with chrome and colors of the rainbow.
OldSurferDude
Having been through a few startups and wind-downs, I sense vaporware.
uneekware
I was hoping the towable units would have solar panels and separate battery systems to either provide more range or to be able to leave the towable at the jobsite, craft show or campsite and they would still have power for work or play. You would need some exterior outlets and ports. U-Haul might like a self-powered trailer for rental fleets.
Mot
The author is right to be a little skeptical. The website is all computer renderings and no engineering. Very reminiscent of fantasy engineering kickstarter projects.
wahip
Being more of a generic "introduction", they can be forgiven for having no mention of battery size or range. While this might not be important to an urban vehicle, these are critical elements for any long-distance recreational travel.
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is neat. With the camper, I would want some device or generator as a range extender or power provider to extend the range and provide power when camping.
Gannet
looks promising as a campervan. Hope it makes it to production.
ljaques
Can you imagine climbing into ol' 1208 and driving her to town for a shopping trip? Passing people on the freeway in your glass living module while reading the paper. Yeah, a hoot. // I think the Neuron camper van setup would be an interesting vehicle, great to tour the country in.