In terms of electric transport we are getting used to innovations (and antics) almost daily. Yet, when I saw this electric van concept from the Japanese startup HW Electro my eyebrows broke the mobility record. Puzzle, this is the name of the vehicle, is a crazy declaration of versatility and ingenuity: but will people like it?
A design… Strange
Measuring just over 11 feet long and less than 5 feet wide, this electric van stands out for its rectangular and compact shape. The structure of Puzzle not only optimizes the internal space, but also allows for extreme customization, adapting to different needs, from street trading to rescue in emergency situations.
In other words it is not just a vehicle, but a multifunctional mobile station. Behind the front panels we find power sockets, USB ports, a WiFi transmitter and a first aid kit, just in case. And charging? Sure, like the others: but it's also supported by solar panels, an approach I suspect we'll see extended in the coming years.
Modular interior for a personalized experience
One of the most curious features of this Puzzle van, however, is its extreme modularity. Interior panels allow users to organize and customize interior spaces to their liking, just as you would in a room. This unique design ensures that each unit can be easily adapted to the specific needs of different users.
The exteriors are no different. By using common exterior panels in various locations of the vehicle, the startup significantly reduced waste and increased productivity. This not only improves production efficiency, but also transfers hardware cost savings into the development of software and related services.
A van that will teach? Maybe (but maybe)
Despite its current concept phase, HW Electro has big plans for Puzzle, aiming for a mass-produced version by 2025. Pricing still remains a mystery, but the startup's excitement around this vehicle it is palpable. The rectangular design, aimed at maximizing internal space, together with its practical functionality, makes Puzzle a paradigm, perhaps a harbinger of how design can meet functionality in the world of electric transport.
Of course the aesthetics… Let's forget about it.
