Independent German engineering service provider, the EDAG Group has developed a scalable floor assembly for electric vehicles, which it says will provide major brands and startups with distinct advantages in developing EVs.

The company says the only thing that is predefined in the 'SCALEbase' is the distance between the front wheel and the heel point. All other measures of length and width can be varied, as its steel structure makes extensive use of sections. This will make it possible for the electric vehicle floor assembly to be scaled to fit just about any mid-range and luxury class EV.

In addition, local concept, dimensioning, design and factory planning requirements imposed on the vehicle by the automotive companies can also be taken into account. With this advisory concept, the data basis and corresponding team of experts, it is possible for manufacturers to cut at least three to four months off the development period and significantly reduce their budget. The EDAG Group says this solution offers customers considerable advantages in the costly transition of the industry to electric mobility.

EDAG Group says along with scalability the solution also makes it ideal for the structural integration of battery systems. This means that the automotive companies can work with the engineering service provider to define and roughly design the various power levels of the planned eCar and battery module – depending on local preferences and the size of the vehicle.

The company says to ensure that the electric vehicle floor assembly would be suitable for international use, current and future crash requirements from a large number of markets were taken into account during development. Should a crash occur, SCALEbase has optimised load paths to meet the ambitious requirements for the protection of passengers and the battery in the event of a side collision.

Micheal Schafer, technical project leader, EDAG Group, said: "In projects where it has been used, the SCALEbase platform has already demonstrated the fact that it offers customers added value. Immediately after the concept phase, development work was begun on a vehicle for a new manufacturer. This is evidence of the enormous potential of our system."