Project description

Basic design 11.2020

The whole project’s concept aims to meet the needs of urban residents. Many studies have shown rural depopulation as people are increasingly drawn towards cities – so many urban centres are approaching car-saturation point. And unfortunately some cities are already at gridlock. So it will be increasingly advantageous to have a smaller car – both for practical reasons and to comply with legislative measures that limit large cars. City authorities are imposing restrictions on large vehicles. For example in Tubingen (Germany), cars over 1.8 tons face parking fees that are six-times more expensive. And that also impacts electric cars because they’re heavy. Small cars are environmentally-friendly – and that’s a big benefit. This is because they use fewer raw materials in production, so less material needs to be eventually recycled. Being lighter, they have lower fuel consumption. And they take up less parking space. Rather than aiming to replace your main vehicle, we want to give everyone the opportunity to exchange a second or even third family car for a smaller vehicle. This would have a very beneficial impact on our cities’ streets. Motorcycles and scooters would be ideal in cities. But their disadvantages are bad weather and poor safety. And motorcyclists need a helmet and protective clothing, which is quite impractical. So scooters are better suited for cities – with every-day clothes being enough. But scooters suffer from an image problem – falling far short of a proper motorcycle. So a small vehicle would be best: but what to choose? The micro-car range is pretty limited. A small city car doesn’t need to be only small, it can offer something more too. We’ve always admired gentleman-style cars, but these aren’t currently seen on EU streets at all. That inspired us to develop a vehicle that would be small, rugged, attractive, economical, practical, and fun – with a timeless design. Because retro design, unlike contemporary, always remains in style A really small vehicle. (L 3,360 x H 1,360 x W 1,395 mm))

Gasoline prototype 7.2021

A prototype vehicle with an internal combustion engine was built to verify our project feasibility. The required mechanical properties combined with the retro design had to be tested. When creating the 3D design and construction, we designed the rear axle drive with the engine mounted at the rear for a weight distribution of 42:58. This met our aim to achieve stable, comfortable, and fun driving conditions. We were also confident that the legislative limitation of 15 kW of power would not hinder our goal. We want the vehicle to buck all the trends in today’s motoring world. Anyone who loves driving knows that the time when driving was a pleasure are long gone. I don’t get the feeling of driving in a modern car, I don’t know what to focus on with all the electronic functions. Today’s car producers aim to market increasingly autonomous cars where the sensation of speed is dulled. We aim to reverse this trend. We want getting from A to B to stimulate emotion and fun, even at lower speeds.

Prototype testing 8.2021

The best way to verify a design is to practically test. The design process lacked the necessary 3D data to convey the real driving sensation. So we built a prototype. This enabled us to refine the driving characteristics towards a combination of fun and comfort. Testing showed that up to 450 kg, the Rodster has sufficient flexibility and surprisingly dynamic performance despite its 15 kW output. The biggest challenge was to devise front suspension with chassis-concealed shock absorbers to retain comfort and a great look. The other two conflicting requirements were for the urban car to be fun outside the city, and to function as a recreational car. Check out the testing here. Initial cornering, cone slalom, uphill speed, and maximum speed confirmed the project’s feasibility. Watch the first test video on this website, and the airport speed test will open for you here. We needed to reconcile the city vehicle’s smallest possible external proportions with a sufficient two-seater interior, so we enlarged the vehicle to a final 1,395 mm wide and 3,335 mm long.

Prehrať video

Modification of design and construction based on testing 10.2021

The results of the test-drives, which we used to verify the mechanical construction (tubular frame), propelled us forward and we worked to complete the chassis design. We applied findings from testing to a 3D model, so that the second prototype served as a pre-production version and saved us valuable development time. This second prototype will have a chassis comprised of composite materials. Our team does everything to ensure that the project moves forward in terms of design, technology, and legislation. Our work receives the first positive results, we have a pre-approved 3D vehicle model that meets homologation requirements in the L7e A2 category We cooperate with TUV Czech on the vehicle’s homologation – working through details to minimise the unexpected. Some technical parameters will change for sure, since we can incorporate advances in the sector’s development and production processes. Yet we can already state that the stylish design is final.

Pre-sale launch 12.2021

The best way to verify a design is to practically test. The design process lacked the necessary 3D data to convey the real driving sensation. So we built a prototype. This enabled us to refine the driving characteristics towards a combination of fun and comfort. Testing showed that up to 450 kg, the Rodster has sufficient flexibility and surprisingly dynamic performance despite its 15 kW output. The biggest challenge was to devise front suspension with chassis-concealed shock absorbers to retain comfort and a great look. The other two conflicting requirements were for the urban car to be fun outside the city, and to function as a recreational car. Check out the story from testing in the video gallery. Initial cornering, cone slalom, uphill speed, and maximum speed confirmed the project’s feasibility. Videos from speed testing at the airport can be found in the gallery. We needed to reconcile the city vehicle’s smallest possible external proportions with a sufficient two-seater interior, so we enlarged the vehicle to a final 1,395 mm wide and 3,335 mm long.

Electric version testing 6.2022

To achieve optimal results we’re testing three types of low-voltage e-motors with similar parameters, tuning range, dynamics, and reliability. The resulting technical data parameters may still slightly change, as the PATAK MOTORS team is constantly working on developments with the aim to optimize and improve the vehicle’s technical parameters. The batteries will be located below-floor, and an electric motor will drive the rear axle. No gearbox is required for the given engine type, which saves weight. This is our goal in all vehicle versions. Lower vehicle weight extends usable range, increases dynamics, and improves handling. We’re working on differential tuning with various settings and gear ratios. We aim to achieve higher maximum speed while maintaining sufficient acceleration. We are still testing battery reliability, charging cycles, and seeking to reduce charging times. For the basic battery version (Stage 1), we also plan to enable the use of classic 230 V domestic connection instead of special charging stations. This will enable vehicle charging anywhere.

Homologation 8.2023

The primary goal of PATAK MOTORS is to combine the benefits of a motorcycle with the comfort of a car. The vehicle’s in the L7e-A2 category as the only design to be homologated. Homologation provider TUV Czech has already given the green light to our retro Rodster vehicle design. Rodster safety is our priority.

Preparation for production  9.2023

An experienced team of experts has been working on the project from the outset. We are preparing for production with the support of EVEKTOR, which has numerous successful international projects related to the serial production of aircraft and car design. For the design we also drew on EVEKTOR’s know-how and experience – as also leveraged by major car manufacturers. We continue to welcome cooperation with other successful development and production companies. We plan to start the Rodster’s production process in Slovakia.

Detailed configurator 12.2023

In accordance with reservation orders, our customers will be contacted to specify the detailed configuration before the vehicle enters the production process. We want to enable all our customers to fit-out their dream vehicle as they wish, so we offer several options in the configurator. In addition to drive type, battery size, colour, and body type, we also want to offer exterior accessories in chrome, gloss or matte black. All exterior accessories can be combined individually. These include headlights, rear-view mirrors, handles, grille trim, windscreen trim, and window profiles. Wheel arches and front grille will be glossy or matte black. Various stylish wheels, design tyres, steering wheels, and clocks will be available. The interior colour can also be configured.

Start of production 8.2024

After configuring individual vehicles, series production will commence. PATAK MOTORS’ quality department will oversee the whole production process. A condition of the homologation process is ensuring reliable and repeatable production that meets TUV Czech requirements.

Delivery of vehicles 11.2024

You will be informed about your Rodster’s exact date of delivery through your local partner or directly from us. We’re creating a convenient local network of reliable sales and service centres. Potential new sellers and partners can register HERE. You can view and test drive vehicles with them.