Fast read
ACE the new Australian EV manufacturer, based in Queensland - heralding a new manufacturing era
The Australian car industry started properly after World War 2 with the Holden model FX 48 -215 built in Adelaide. Then there was the Holden vs Ford period in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and at one time, the Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore were the most popular cars in Australia.
Unfortunately, fast forward to 2017, and the industry died, buried, extinct, Tod – gone. One can now argue that the Federal Liberal Government of the day should have done more to save it, meaning many more hundreds of millions in subsidies etc., but as the profits all went overseas anyway, maybe it was the right thing to do. History will certainly judge it.
Undoubtedly, many engineering and other manufacturing-related jobs went, and such skills are hard to replace – but that is where it all starts with ACE.
The early years
Founded in 2017, the same year our petrol car industry died, this new EV car company is based in Queensland and hopes to revive the local manufacturing capacity for motor vehicles. Over the past few years, the company has developed prototypes and received some small funding from the Australian Government. 1st-year production of the built vehicles has already been sold.
A table with all their models is listed below, and one obvious differentiation from other standard EVs is that the models are designed for delivery and service workers. It is also interesting that the range and maximum speed are below standard EVs.
Still, considering that the average delivery van drives less than 50km distance per day. Even if we triple that average distance, we still sit far below the ACE EVs range. So the available features fit snugly into the needs of the light commercial and tradie market. Charging can occur overnight with a straightforward 240V wall outlet plug, so you are ready for the average daily light commercial activities the next day.
4 models on offer
ACE Electric Vehicles are designed for light commercial applications. The sphere where V8 utes and vans rule the world and where electric vehicles so far have not taken a strong foothold.
The ACE range offers light commercial models with various trays to accommodate the needs of a range of businesses. With orders on the books from some of Australia’s major retailers, such as Woolworths, and steady individual pre-orders on the books, the signs are positive, and a new EV-led local car industry can emerge.
| ACE model | V1 Transformer | Cargo+ | Yewt | Urban |
| Starting Price | $55,995 | $29,995 | $25,995 | $35,995 |
| Range | 215-258km | 150-200km | 150-200km | 150-200km |
| Acceleration (0-50km/h) | <7 Seconds | <7 Seconds | <7 Seconds | <7 Seconds |
| Pay load | 1,100kg | 500kg | 500kg | – |
| Weight | 2535kg (Van) / 1425kg (Ute) | 1,550kg | 1,550kg | 900kg |
| Seating | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Max Speed for all | 100km/h | 100km/h | 100km/h | 100km/h |
A new way to trade electricity
ACE plans to develop models with interchangeable batteries for their V2 Transformer vehicle. Such a feature is useful for fleet vehicles, where longer distances must be covered. Often battery range is a determining factor when it comes to people purchasing EV’s.
ACE is also working on technology to allow excess solar to be stored in the vehicle’s batteries and pushed back into the grid at times of high demand. This “bi-directional” feature for electric vehicles to support grid stability is often discussed. Still, some industry leaders, such as Tesla cars, have deliberately stepped away from this technical possibility.
Not so ACE. Buying and selling energy owners of ACE vehicles can further reduce their transport costs in the future. Very handy if one has a fleet of 1000 commercial EVs and uses their battery power to trade on the electricity market. So all the ideas are there- the question is now – how well will it all be executed?
Introducing the ACE EV line-up in detail
ACE EVs has four models available for pre-order, each designed to meet a specific need
ACE V1 Transformer
This commercial-based system is perfect for companies carrying large loads of different products or products. The best part? It’s highly adaptable and can change the utility in just 15 minutes from a van to an open tray or a low-roof van. Talk about versatility!
ACE Cargo+
The ACE Cargo+ provides a low-roof minivan utility tray for those seeking a more inexpensive choice. This car is ideal for anyone requiring a new small fleet vehicle or a dependable, cost-effective daily driver.
ACE Yewt
The ACE Yewt is an inexpensive choice for a utility tray for a truck. The utility tray on this model cannot be adjusted like it can with the ACE V1 Transformer. However, for anyone searching for a new electric fleet vehicle, an open tray utility at an affordable price, this model is a great option.
ACE Urban
The ACE Urban is ideal for daily usage and created for various clients. This four-seater electric car was made with city living and everyday commute convenience in mind.
Why ACE EVs stand out
The attention to detail sets ACE EVs apart from other manufacturers of electric vehicles. To ensure that its vehicles meet the needs of its target market, the corporation has spent years refining its designs during the research and development phase.
ACE EV’s future plans
ACE Electric Vehicles, which emphasises versatility and utility, have plans to expand into the local EV market over the next 12 months. Currently, 3 vehicles are put through their paces in a trial with Woolworths and utilised as trolley collector EVs.
With ACE EVs’ commitment to meeting the needs of their target market, it’s only a matter of time before we will see more of these vehicles on the road. ACE Electric Vehicles is a competitor with a clear target market, so watch for them!
