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Job one for engineering firm Magna Steyr is to realize and meet the needs of different OEMs and create products that can be utilized in a variety of different configurations for future vehicle creations. At the Geneva Motor Show, Magna Steyr unveiled their latest Mila EV concept, a five-door small car, and we're told that every part of this car's design and engineering has been entirely focused around alternative, forward-thinking drive technology.

The Mila EV is powered by an electric motor which produces 67 horsepower from its Magna Steyr-sourced lithium-ion battery. After charging for only 2.5 hours, we're told that this car can travel up to 150 kilometers (93 miles). Additionally, solar cells are integrated into the EV's glass roof, providing extra energy generation for interior features (audio, HVAC, etc.). More significantly, the Mila EV does away with side mirrors, in favor or sleeker camera housings with corresponding displays inside the car.

We'll be interested to see if Magna Steyr can get any OEMs on board with their Mila EV concept, as it could prove to be a very useful product for manufacturers looking to electrify their small car offerings. Click through the post to read Magna's official words, and click the images above for a few images of the Mila EV.

MAGNA STEYR -- MILA EV PRESS RELEASE

Magna is presenting the latest member of the MILA innovation family at the Geneva Motor Show 2009: mila ev – a forward-looking automotive concept, uncompromising, universally applicable and suited to daily use in every way. The outstanding element and centerpiece of the mila ev is its fully integrated electric vehicle platform which can be used by every OEM to realize their own product, drive and design strategies in the shortest of time.

A new vehicle concept

A new vehicle concept has been developed in the shape of the mila ev in which the electric drive represents both the starting point and end point of development. In other words, a vehicle concept optimized for an alternative, forward-looking drive technology in all the developmental steps and thus representing no subsequent modification, retrofitting or conversion of an already existing concept. Without compromise, as only can be expected from a complete-systems provider proficient in understanding complete vehicle systems and outstanding expertise in system integration built up over many years.

Direct from concept to series production

The novel platform on which the mila ev is based is a completely developed concept which can be used for production-vehicle development immediately and thus for series production in the shortest of time – as a genuine electric vehicle or, thanks to the intelligent design, with natural gas, fuel cells or hybrid drive.

Advantages

(1) No modification of classical vehicle concepts, but rather a functionally optimized platform for all vehicle features (weight, strength, NVH, crash, etc.)

(2) Full flexibility and adaptability to the strategies, needs and designs of all OEMs.

(3) The expertise advantage from Magna: one-stop provision from components to the complete vehicle, including a business model for production.

(4) Cost advantage: common utilization by a variety of OEMs and/or for different drive versions means higher production runs and thus lower costs.

(5) Magna Steyr as ideal manufacturing partner: with the well-proven Flex Plant concept, all versions can be made on one single production line.

Design and Engineering

The concept study of the mila ev, which will be presented in Geneva as show car, is a five-door version with a length of about 4 m and a wheelbase of 2.5 m. The rolling lines of the body provide for graceful esthetics. At the same time, the connecting line between headlights and side windows lends the vehicle a futuristic and elegant look. The lateral running sensor strip is at one and the same time design element, door opener and “fuel gauge” which shows, clearly visibly, the current battery charge. Additionally, the integrated door opener is activated by an electronic key. The solar cells integrated in the glass roof serve as additional energy generation; the usually large wing mirrors of conventional vehicles have been replaced in mila ev by aerodynamic reverse-view cameras.

The mila ev is driven by a 67 hp electric motor supplied by one of the lithium-ion batteries developed by Magna Steyr. At an average charging time of 2.5 hours, ranges of up to 150 km can be achieved.