Next Modular Vehicles, the Italian modular e-bus gets a €2.5 million investment from UAE
It is called Next Modular Vehicles, and it is the first electric bus with a modular imprinting, so that it can be adjusted for any capacity need. The concept was conceived by the Italian company NExT, founded by Tommaso Gecchelin, a graduate in Physics and Industrial Design.
The company has an operational office in Dubai. Now they have been awarded an investment agreement for the entry of Paradigma Management Consultancies LLC (from the Arab Emirates) into its shareholding structure, which strengthens the existing partnership with an investment of €2.5 million.
Next Modular Vehicles, how does it work?
The goal of Next Modular Vehicles is that of being capable of responding both to typical public transport needs and of being configured for on-demand use where required. The vehicle can indeed be used as a single ‘wagon’ or hooked up to other modules, depending on the transport demand at the time.
During peak hours, the vehicle can start its journey with 5 or more connected pods (where feasible) to accommodate peak demand. Depending on the number of pods, the capacity can go up to the same as a 18-meter bus, or even a tram, in cases where it’s feasible to connect more than 5 pods. At off-peak times, it can instead circulate with a lighter configuration of 2 or 3 modules, and those not needed to cover demand can be parked and kept in charge in anticipation of the next peak.
