Williams Engineering and Italdesign Launching Joint EV Platform

Williams Advanced Engineering is teaming up with Italdesign to establish another electric vehicle platform targeting the wealthy — or an “upper-premium EV production solution,” according to those responsible for its development.

Dubbed the EVX modular electric platform, the architecture uses large structural batteries and an abundance of recycled composites mixed in with lightweight aluminum. They should also be pretty chic, considering the parties involved. Williams exists specifically to adapt technologies utilized by its Formula 1 team for commercial applications while Italdesign is probably the most famous automotive design studio in automotive history.

Everything starts with WAE’s chassis, which can accommodate power packs between 104 and 120 kWh with the ability to discharge over 1000 kW (roughly 1,300 mechanical horsepower). Williams is leaning on its performance expertise to sell the concept, though it claims that will translate to an enviable range. On the outer limits, the manufacturer said cars could be equipped with an expanded 160-kWh unit that could deliver over 621 miles on a single charge. While not a fully-fledged battery supplier, WAE has been supplying them for the FIA Formula E World Championship for years. It does the same for ETCR (electric touring cars) and Extreme-E (off-roaders) — which bodes well for the EVX.

Platforms can be scaled for automobiles using wheelbases between 114 and 122 inches and aren’t picky about body style. Williams said it was excited to see an array of high-end vehicles using its skeleton, noting that the platform could handle both rear and four-wheel drive. Mixing composites with aluminum helps minimize weight and lets WAE brag about using recycled materials. But it’s also supposed to set a new standard for static and torsional stiffness — though the manufacturer did not divulge what materials were used beyond the ever-popular carbon.

The structural battery plays a large role here as well. In addition to keeping a low center of gravity, its case attaches directly to the chassis and has reinforced areas at key stress points. This makes for a more rigid structure before bodywork has even been considered, which makes Italdesign’s job that much easier. Williams’ even suggested that it would allow the design firm to have more freedom in certain instances, by not needing to add as much strength to the bodywork.

After WAE wraps on its duties, Italdesign becomes responsible for taking the electric skateboard and finishing it up for whichever automotive brand placed the order. While the bodywork will be done by the studio, it will need to be approved by whatever company placed the order and include their branded safety systems and user interface.

“We are extremely glad and thankful of the chance to cooperate with Williams Advanced Engineering,” Antonio Casu, CTO at Italdesign, stated in the release. “With 53 years of experience in design and engineering development, our role in the partnership will be to advance the rolling chassis developed by WAE to the complete platform and shape it according to the vehicle body style, architecture and contents defined with customers. Over the past five decades we have developed skills and experiences in turnkey projects, meeting our customers’ needs, whether international OEMs or new born start-ups.”

“We aim to develop vehicle architectures in the GT, Sedan, Crossover and Convertible markets, fully customisable [sic] inside and outside. We are targeting business cases that will cover different production volumes from an Ultra Limited Series up to 10,000 units a year, 500 of which can be built by Italdesign at our facilities in Turin.”

[Image: Williams Advanced Engineering]