UK start-up Arrival goes from under the radar to key player in four simple steps
KEEP THE PRODUCT NICE AND SIMPLE
Arrival’s Generation 2 electric van uses an electric ‘skateboard’ platform and puts bespoke bodywork on top, depending on the client, in ‘micro-factories’ – teeny buildings with a low carbon footprint, located near demand hotspots, that can be created in as little as three months.
CATCH THE ATTENTION OF A KEY BUYER
Worldwide delivery mega-giant UPS has put its name down for 10,000 specifically-designed Generation 2 vans. The first will hit the road this year, and UPS has the option to order another 10,000 if everything goes smoothly. Royal Mail and John Lewis want in on the action, too.
GET BACKING FROM SOME BIG HITTERS
You know you’re on the right track when Albert Biermann, Hyundai’s R&D wizard and head of the N Division, puts €100m your way as an investment. Arrival is also using BlackBerry’s QNX operating software, as found in the autonomous systems of many major car manufacturers.
COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS IN THE KNOW
While Arrival works on commercial vehicles, it also collaborates with Charge Cars, which has re-engineered classic cars into EVs, such as a 469bhp, all-wheel-drive, £300,000-a-pop electric Mustang. Arrival provides battery packs, e-motors and infotainment technology.
