- Helixx has introduced an innovative EV production model inspired by McDonald’s.
- The startup focuses on scalable, pop-up factories for cost-effective manufacturing.
- Subscription-based access to EVs aims to provide reliable, affordable transportation.
When Helixx co-founder and CEO Steve Pegg looked at Daisy, the startup’s 3D-printed prototype delivery van, he saw a second chance at revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Drawing inspiration from McDonald’s, Pegg envisions a new era of fast, scalable, and affordable EV production.
A Fresh Approach to EV Manufacturing
The Daisy prototype unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, is entirely 3D-printed using 14 consumer printers from Creality.
This approach drastically reduces production costs, making Daisy an affordable $6,000 vehicle. However, Helixx’s vision extends beyond the van’s charmingly simple design.
The startup aims to redefine car manufacturing with pop-up factories near bustling urban centers, focusing on efficiency and scalability.
Pegg, who co-founded Helixx in 2022 after his stint at EV startup Arrival, plans to avoid the pitfalls that plagued Arrival.
Instead of relying heavily on automation, Helixx will employ a fast-food franchise model, emphasizing rapid setup and minimal training for factory workers.
“You don’t need to be a chef to build burgers, and McDonald’s doesn’t teach you how to be a chef,” Pegg explains. “They teach you how to follow a process.”
Innovative Revenue Model
Helixx’s business model stands out in the EV industry. For a $50 million license fee, partners gain access to a comprehensive platform covering everything from component sourcing to fleet management.
This “factory in a box” can start producing cars within 180 days. Helixx also manages supply chain logistics, sourcing materials and components for its clients.
Once production begins, Helixx charges a monthly service fee of approximately $80 per vehicle and a $500 royalty on each vehicle deployed.
The company also plans to monetize vehicle usage data, providing valuable insights for city planning and fleet logistics. This data-driven approach could offer additional revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency for Helixx and its partners.
Targeting Urban Markets
Helixx aims to deploy its vans in dense urban environments like Jakarta and Bangkok, where traditional tuk-tuks and auto rickshaws dominate.
Daisy, the Helixx Cargo, runs on swappable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, similar to Gogoro’s battery-swapping model.
Users can swap out modular battery packs at designated locations, ensuring continuous operation without downtime for recharging.
Designed for simplicity and utility, Daisy fits within Europe’s L7E Heavy Quadricycle category, with a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour and a weight of under 1,200 pounds.
This lightweight design focuses on delivering essential features without unnecessary frills, catering to drivers who need reliable, cost-effective transportation for their jobs.
Subscription-Based Access
Helixx plans to offer its EVs through a subscription model, providing access to vehicles for a set number of hours or days per month.
This approach likened to a Netflix subscription, aims to provide consistent revenue and high utilization rates, targeting a 95% utilization rate.
Pegg emphasizes that these vehicles are intended for those who rely on them for work, ensuring steady demand and consistent use.
Scalability is a key aspect of Helixx’s strategy. Local franchisees can adjust production to meet demand, with factories capable of producing at least 100,000 vehicles annually in a relatively small footprint.
Unlike the 3D-printed prototype, production models will incorporate traditional manufacturing techniques for durability and cost-efficiency, with a mix of local and regional suppliers.
Looking Ahead
Helixx’s innovative approach has garnered interest from major manufacturers, with the startup targeting corporate venture capital from companies like Toyota and Hyundai.
By lowering the cost of entry for vehicle subscription models, Helixx aims to disrupt the market, making EVs accessible and affordable.
Daisy is just the beginning. Helixx envisions a future where franchisees can download and produce new vehicle designs in their modular factories, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
As long as partners hold a license, the potential for expansion and innovation is limitless.
