When we last heard from TREXA, their concept for an all-purpose undercarriage for a variety of different electric vehicles was just some CGI sketches. Now though, its an actual working prototype of their patent-pending Enertube system.
The TREXA platform has been designed to be scaled up or down for various vehicular applications, and the heart of this system is the Enertube energy storage system. This battery can hold as little as 7 kWh of power for a small car, or 100 kWh for a big tractor trailer type vehicle.
A lot of concepts like this never come to life, but TREXA has beaten the odds to produce a real working prototype. The Enertube battery system can come unplugged from the platform without removing the vehicle’s body, making swapping out for a larger (or smaller) battery that much easier.
Then there is the hotrod potential of the TREXA. There are literally hundreds of kit car companies out there, and TREXA could establish a niche among EV do-it-yourselfers with this platform, offering different body styles and performance parts. The pushrod-style suspension (which is featured in high-end cars like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT) would certainly lend itself to fast, fun cars, and the TREXA platform can be available in either two-or-four wheel drive applications.
It’s good to see TREXA’s concept come to life, and I’m truly excited about the performance applications for this platform. Now it all just comes down to price, which we last heard falls between $16,000 and $32,000, and you still have to build your own body. Depending on how the TREXA performs, it could be a veritable bargain, especially if you’re handy with the sheetmetal.
Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs. You can read about his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout or follow his non-nonsensical ramblings on Twitter @harshcougar.