ITZEHOE, Germany—After three years of development, ElectricBrands AG has built a fully functional prototype of the XBUS, a lightweight modular electric vehicle. Production is set to begin here in mid-2022.

The XBUS meets all the criteria of the L7e-B2 light vehicle class, including having an electric drive, a net weight under 600 kilograms, the ability to transport up to three people, continuous power of 15 kiloWatts and peak power 56 kiloWatts, and a top speed of 100 kmh. Depending on the module, payload is up to 1,000 kilograms. As for range, the XBUS is capable of more than 600 kilometers with solar panels on the roof.

"The time is ripe for the XBUS," says a confident Ralf Haller, founder of ElectricBrands AG. "Looking at the growing congestion on the roads, bigger and bigger cars cannot be the answer. We need smart, versatile, and sustainable concepts that preserve individual mobility and personal lifestyle for all of us—without exhaust emissions, but with comfort, acceptable range and suitable speed."

The assembly plant here will initially create up to 1,000 jobs locally, as well as in the upstream supply chain and sales. Most of the vehicle's suppliers, especially for key components, will come from Germany or nearby European countries. Starting price for the basic version of the XBUS will be well under 20,000 euros, including the German VAT.