Helixx, a startup specializing in the production of 3D-printed delivery vans, is looking to revolutionize the automotive industry by implementing a multi-tiered revenue model that draws inspiration from fast-food giant McDonald’s. The company aims to manufacture hundreds of thousands of 3D-printed delivery vans, called Daisy, in pop-up factories located near urban areas with high population density. Helixx’s unique approach focuses on streamlining the manufacturing process and providing a complete platform for its partners, rather than solely relying on manufacturing revenue.
Helixx’s CEO, Steve Pegg, previously worked at Arrival, an electric vehicle (EV) startup, where he gained valuable insights into the automotive industry. Pegg’s experience at Arrival has influenced Helixx’s strategy, but he emphasizes that there are key differences between the two companies. Helixx’s primary objective is to quickly establish factories and train workers to efficiently produce vehicles, similar to how McDonald’s franchises are operated. Pegg believes that a simple and streamlined process is crucial for success, just as McDonald’s teaches its employees to follow a standardized process for making burgers.
Helixx’s revenue model starts with licensing agreements, which enable companies to access the company’s platform for a fee of approximately $50 million. This initial investment grants partners the ability to plan and deploy a factory within 180 days. Helixx’s role goes beyond providing access to its platform; the company also handles supply chain logistics, sourcing materials and components for the production process. Once vehicles start rolling off the assembly line, Helixx earns a monthly service fee of around $80 per vehicle produced, as well as a $500 royalty fee for every vehicle put into service.
In addition to manufacturing and service fees, Helixx plans to monetize the usage data collected from vehicles. This data can be valuable for city planning and fleet logistics purposes, and Helixx sees opportunities for selling this data to interested parties. The potential for data monetization is an intriguing concept and could provide an additional revenue stream for Helixx.
Helixx’s vans are designed for commercial use and have great potential in cities where traditional three-wheeled vehicles, such as tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws, are commonly used. The company envisions deploying its vans in cities like Jakarta or Bangkok, where there is a need for affordable and efficient last-mile transportation solutions. The Daisy vans are all-electric and utilize swappable lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. The modular battery pack allows users to easily swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones, similar to Gogoro’s approach. This eliminates the need for time-consuming recharging and ensures uninterrupted operation for users.
The Helixx Daisy van falls into Europe’s L7E Heavy Quadricycle category, limiting its maximum speed to 55 miles per hour. The company aims for the vehicle to weigh under 1,200 pounds and focus on simplicity and efficiency. Helixx wants to return to a time when cars had basic features and served as reliable workhorses, allowing drivers to earn more income for their families. The company intends to offer subscription-based access to its vehicles, similar to how Netflix operates. Subscribers would pay a monthly fee to have access to a vehicle for a set number of hours or days per month. Helixx hopes to achieve a sky-high utilization rate of 95% by targeting drivers who rely on these vehicles for work rather than convenience.
Scale is a crucial aspect of Helixx’s strategy. The company seeks partners that are willing and capable of building factories with a production capacity of at least 100,000 vehicles per year. While this may initially seem ambitious, considering the small size and simplicity of the Daisy van compared to other vehicles on the market, it may be a feasible target. Helixx plans to utilize a mix of manufacturing techniques, combining traditional pressing methods for polymer components with casting and local sourcing for metal frame and suspension components. The company aims to optimize the supply chain and establish partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Toyota and Hyundai to further reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Having a lower cost of entry is one of Helixx’s key value propositions. By significantly reducing manufacturing costs and offering subscription-based access to its vehicles at a fraction of the price of traditional car ownership, the company aims to attract a wide range of customers. Helixx believes that its unique approach to vehicle manufacturing and ownership can open up new possibilities within the automotive industry and potentially disrupt the traditional dealership model.
While the $6,000 Daisy van is just the starting point for Helixx, the company envisions expanding its product lineup in the future. Franchisees will have the flexibility to download new vehicle designs from the platform and immediately begin producing them in their modular factories, as long as they hold a valid license from Helixx.
Helixx’s vision for the future of vehicle manufacturing and ownership is ambitious and unique. By leveraging 3D printing technology, streamlining the manufacturing process, and implementing a multi-tiered revenue model, the company aims to bring affordable and efficient transportation solutions to urban areas around the world. With their focus on simplicity, efficiency, and innovation, Helixx has the potential to disrupt the automotive industry and redefine how vehicles are manufactured, owned, and accessed by consumers.
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