Skateboard concept turns tubular as Trexa reveals the Enertube

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, USA

Trexa Enertube chassis prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

Trexa has finally raised the blinds over at their workshop and revealed that its skateboard platform concept has turned tubular. Totally! The light of day glinting off the production chassis reveals a structure with all the unnecessary removed and the remainders incorporated into a shiny torque tube connected to a set of wheels via a pushrod suspension set-up.

The changes leave its modular adaptability intact and perhaps possibly improved. The 7 kWh lithium phosphate battery pack of this initial 96-inch long example can be doubled by changing the diameter of the Enertube from from nine inches to twelve. As well, the length can be stretched and the system is said to be capable of supporting everything from a golf cart to a class 8 truck with a 100 kWh battery.

Trexa has teamed up with a specialty vehicles manufacturer for commercialization and customers will receive the first evaluation platforms in May. Additionally, the company has partnered with Carnegie Mellon Robotics to develop “advanced functionality platforms for government and agricultural applications.” It’s also generated interest from a major auto racing league with an eye towards an all-electric series.

The smaller outfits haven’t been forgotten either and CEO Seth Seaberg credits the “re-emergence of electric drive” to grassroots efforts and hopes to offer products for independent, kit and custom car builders in the future. Check out the gallery below then hit the jump for all the details in the official press release.

Gallery: Trexa Enertube chassis prototype