Modec engineers recruited by rival EV firm to boost its growth
THE company at one time in the running to bail out Coventry electric vehicle maker Modec has taken on the failed firm’s entire engineering team to boost its own development.
Liberty Electric Cars had been thought to be the likely purchaser of the Modec assets but a deal could not be secured following the manufacturer’s collapse into administration in March.
It was thought a marriage between Liberty and Modec would be a good fit in the electric vehicle sector. Liberty works on innovative pure electric drivetrains for 4×4 vehicles. Its E-Range is based on the traditional Range Rover and has a range of 200 miles.
The move means the Oxford-based firm now has one of the most experienced teams in electric vehicle (EV) technology in the world and they will be crucial in steering Liberty’s growth.
The 12 engineers will be based at Liberty’s new Innovation & Customer Support Centre, ironically in Coventry.
In addition to the advanced EV engineering and EV development centre, Liberty has also created a support and maintenance facility, called Liberty E-Care to provide a high level of service to its own European EV customers and those of other companies.
This expansion sees Liberty move into Modec’s former territory – commercial vehicles. The potential within the sector is huge, especially with short-range logistics operations where vehicles are travelling on round trip journeys of less than 100 miles.
Ian Hobday, managing director of Liberty Electric Cars, said: “Liberty Electric Cars has created one of the most highly skilled EV engineering teams in the world. With this tremendous know how in EV technology, Liberty will create the most exciting and high performing electric drivetrains ever seen.
“We have already been contacted by OEMs to develop new generation EVs for a worldwide market that we expect to grow significantly over the coming years.”
TheBusinessDesk.com exclusively revealed earlier this year how Modec was struggling with cash flow problems and liabilities of almost £29m. The company had been widely regarded as the market leader in electric commercial vehicle development.
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