Israel’s City Transformer and Segula Tech to accelerate CT-1 e-microcar development

City Transformer, the EV tech disruptor from Israel, has chosen Segula Technologies as its engineering development partner. The move will see the two companies use their expertise, know-how and innovation in further developing the pioneering all-electric foldable CT-1 microcar.

Segula will support the CT-1 development team across all aspects of design, engineering and technology implementation. Its input into the project will also extend to prototype as well as pre-production testing of the CT-1, including homologation and final validation in preparation for market launch.

Since the past eight years, City Transformer engineering teams have advanced and optimised the CT-1 concept, to the point that the development program is now on its seventh-generation microcar iteration.

In the first stage of the collaboration with Segula’s engineers based in France, Germany, Israel and Australia, a feasibility phase will be undertaken that is expected to conclude later this year.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr Asaf Formoza, City Transformer CEO, said: “We created the CT-1 based on our vision of what smart urban mobility could – and should – become. In a short amount of time we have designed, developed and homologated CT-1 prototype vehicles as we look to make our vision a reality. But to bring to market an innovative product such as the CT-1 is no easy task – and especially for a young start-up like City Transformer. It’s this awareness, focus and dedication that has got us to where we are today.

“However, to take things to the next level – and prepare the CT-1 for full market launch – we are delighted to have chosen Segula Technologies as our partner headed forward. SEGULA’s deep know-how, extensive expertise and rich experience is an ideal fit for a mobility disruptor such as us. I truly believe this is a win-win partnership.”

Stephane Le Corre, CEO of the International Division at Segula Technologies, added: “We are proud that City Transformer has entrusted us with the full development of their flagship and highly innovative debut vehicle. This is an exciting adventure driven by automotive passion and underpinned with the desire to make urban mobility smarter, cleaner and easier.”

Transforming urban mobility
The CT-1 is an all-electric two-seat, four-wheel, microcar that features proprietary shape-shifting technology that transforms its chassis in real-time and on the road to outsmart traffic and fit into tight urban spaces. As a result, the CT-1 has been heralded as a mobility gamechanger for urban living, helping to transform the city landscape into a cleaner, greener and quieter space while operating seamlessly with high-tech and optimized transport solutions.

The CT-1’s underpinnings are based on the City Transformer’s in-house developed and highly advanced modular skateboard architecture that ensures the foldable microcar is a perfect fit for inner city life, where being behind the wheel of a vehicle is often a stressful, time-consuming, expensive and arduous experience.

With its active width adjustment tech, the CT-1 can ‘fold’ from its 1.4-metre width to an ultra-compact one-metre measurement on the road in real-time while driving.

With its revolutionary active width adjustment patented technology – the CT-1 can ‘fold’ from its 1.4-metre width to an ultra-compact one-metre measurement on the road in real-time while driving – the all-electric microcar delivers a true mobility breakthrough in overcoming congestion, parking problems, pollution and electric vehicle running costs.

City Transformer says along the advanced architecture the CT-1 “is an engaging drive that is fun and full of character.”

Weighing just 590kg – including the battery pack which is 80% smaller in mass compared with most other standard electric vehicle (EV) batteries on the market today – the CT-1 offers an outstanding 180km real-world zero-emissions driving range. The time it takes to do a weekly shop for the family – 30 minutes – is also the impressively short turnaround the CT-1 needs to re-charge its batteries from 10% to 80%.

At full 1.4-metres width, the CT-1 has a top speed of 90kph; when it’s at a one-metre width, speed is capped to 45kph. Tests have shown that the all-electric microcar is much safer than scooters and e-bikes.

Studies have also shown that thanks to its innovative changing dimensions and overall compact package, CT-1 drivers are 10 times more likely to find parking spots. They also benefit from greatly reduced time having to be spent behind the steering wheel and far cheaper everyday EV running costs. In fact, the CT-1 is twice as efficient as other typical EVs on the market today.

The CT-1 is scheduled to enter series production in 2024.