Freight transport is one of the main targets of electrification in the automotive sector. The entire industry is focused on reducing CO2 emissions while simultaneously increasing vehicle range. Meanwhile, thousands of small businesses dedicated to last-mile delivery need a new type of vehicle that allows them to reduce costs while achieving zero CO2 emissions, and the HWE Puzzle is the key.
The HWE Puzzle truly embodies versatility in the last-mile delivery minivan segment . As you might guess, it's electric, and its design prioritizes function over form to give owners the modularity they need for everyday use. If you like it and want one of your own, keep reading. Indeed, this promising model is still in limited production and not yet officially released…
The main characteristic of the HWE Puzzle is that its body resembles a puzzle...
If you look closely at the Puzzle's design, you'll notice something. Its name isn't just a marketing ploy to help customers order it at the dealership. Its boxy bodywork resembles a giant puzzle made of large panels. In fact, everything about it seems to be constructed from standard pieces designed for use in different parts of the vehicle, such as the battery charging ports.
Another distinctive feature is that the front panel , located below the headlights, and the section of the front roof above the flat windshield are a single piece. In this case, the front panel has holes for the headlights and little else. And that's not all… The door sills and side roof panels are also one piece. Furthermore, the lower part of the doors and the door handles are identical on both the left and right sides.
Finally, we must mention the tailgate that provides access to the trunk and cargo area. It's completely flat and, in fact, resembles the door of an old-fashioned refrigerator. To break up this starkness , the generously sized rear window features a wide black frame around it, integrating the model name into the lower section. Lastly, the bumper is minimalist to the extreme, with circular lights at the corners and two reflectors at the outer edges.
Its interior is very spacious and modular… like a shoe box…
If you enjoyed playing the puzzles inside, you can continue doing so. Upon entering, you'll find a small, configurable digital instrument cluster complemented by a 7-inch touchscreen. Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use, featuring a sliding-type selector for the automatic transmission located on the center console. Furthermore, physical buttons below the screen provide shortcuts…
The reason for this design is to keep manufacturing costs down so it can be adapted for left-hand drive countries. Building on this foundation, the puzzle-like design continues on the doors and practically the entire dashboard. Indeed, they are riddled with small holes for inserting standard accessories . These allow you to add various cup holders, mounts for your GPS or smartphone, storage pockets, or bag hooks.
Regarding interior space, the brand hasn't released official figures. The photos show that the front passenger seatback folds down to create a table. Furthermore, there are power outlets and USB ports on the A-pillars, and several more are located outside. The fact that the body has hinged doors suggests that new passenger versions with a second row of seats and a cargo area could be added to the lineup later on.
And about his technique? What is known?
And at this point, you might be wondering, "What's the technology behind the HWE Puzzle?" Well, for now, there's little information beyond its dimensions: 3,39 meters long , 1,47 meters wide, and 1,92 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2,48 meters . It features 15-inch alloy wheels and a payload capacity of 350 kilograms. The electric powertrain and battery specifications are unknown, but the manufacturer claims a range of 200 kilometers . We'll have to wait and see…
Source – HW Electro – HWE Puzzle
