Finding fresh roles for used car batteries is becoming a growing focus in the auto industry, and Stellantis has found a particularly human-centered application. Instead of letting end-of-life EV packs sit idle, the company is repurposing them for mobility solutions outside traditional cars.

More: Stellantis Is Quietly Building A Tri-Motor EV Setup That Can Power Itself

One of the most intriguing examples comes through a collaboration with startup Avathor, which has developed a compact EV tailored for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. Adding another interesting twist in this story is that the vehicle itself was penned by Italdesign, part of the Volkswagen Group.

This indirect and somewhat unusual collaboration between Stellantis and the VW Group likely stems from the fact that both Avathor and Italdesign are based in Turin. The Italian city is also a key hub for Stellantis, home to the Mirafiori facilities and the company’s main European headquarters.

From Road To Renewal

The process begins with Stellantis brands gathering batteries from retired EVs. These packs make their way to Turin, where SUSTAINera, Stellantis’ circular economy branch, focuses on extending their usefulness and cutting down on waste. A local partner, Intent S.r.l., then disassembles the 15 kWh modules, repackaging them for fresh duties.

For the Avathor One, the modules are reconfigured in 1.4 kWh short-range or 2.8 kWh long-range batteries, offering up to 50 km (31 mph) between charges with a top speed limited to 10 km/h (6 mph).

Avathor / Italdesign

What Is The Avathor One?

The Avathor One was launched earlier this year as the production model derived from the futuristic 2019 WheeM-i concept by Italdesign. It has a rear ramp for wheelchair access, a pull-out bench, and joystick controls.

Measuring just 1,486 mm (58.5 inches) in length, the EV comes fitted with car-like features such as LED headlights, a rearview camera, and collision-avoidance sensors that recognize both obstacles and pedestrians. It can handle gradients of up to 20 percent and climb steps up to 8 cm (3 inches) high.

According to the company, the goal is to launch the Avathor in Italy later this year, followed by Spain in 2026 and other markets in 2027.

Beyond Mobility Aids

Beyond the Avathor project, Stellantis SUSTAINera is also working with utility providers and battery integrators. One notable example is the ENEL X Pioneer system, which stores renewable energy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons over ten years.

Of course, Stellantis isn’t the only automaker that is active in the circular economy with second-life batteries. Other brands such as Nissan, Renault, BMW, Kia, Geely, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Audi have all been involved in similar projects.

Stellantis

Concept cars often spark the imagination, and the Volkswagen EVX is no exception. With its sharp angles and an aggressive stance, it looks every bit the futuristic coupe crossover. Yet despite its eye-catching form, the odds of it ever making it to production are near to zero. Designed by the specialists at Italdesign, the EVX takes shape as a 2+2 coupe based on the VW Group’s MEB+ platform.

Read: VW ID.4 Gets A Stealthy Blackout But Something Bigger Waits In The Shadows

Admittedly, calling the EVX a coupe might be stretching the definition, but in all fairness, it does at least come with two doors, unlike most crossovers that borrow the coupe label while offering little more than a sloping roofline.

It measures 166.5 inches (4,230 mm) long, 71.6 inches (1,820 mm) wide, and strands 58.6 inches (1,490 mm) tall, meaning it’s roughly 4.7 inches (120 mm) longer than a VW T-Cross, 2.3 inches (60 mm) wider, and sits 3.4 inches (87 mm) lower.

Breaking From the Mold

It seems that Italdesign, which is owned by the VW Group, was given a blank sheet when creating the car, not needing to draw on influences from existing VW models. This has allowed it to create a car that looks unlike any other VW Group product and, in the extremely unlikely event that it was ever produced, it would also stand out from all the cookie-cutter crossovers on the market right now. It reminds us a little of the latest-gen Toyota C-HR sold in Europe, but isn’t as quirky.

Found at the front is a blacked-out lower grille and two triangular air intakes housing small LED daytime running lights. There are also a pair of sharp LED headlights that catch the eye, as well as a shapely hood with plenty of curves and creases.

From the side, the concept shows off camera-based mirrors mounted on the A-pillars, two-tone wheels in silver and black, and muscular rear arches. The rear design keeps the drama going with a steeply angled rear window, slim LED taillights, and a blacked-out bumper.

Only in the Digital World?

For now, VW is displaying the EVX virtually at the Munich motor show. Whether such a design could ever make it to production remains uncertain, though it’s fair to say it would shake up the usual crossover formula if it did. So the real question is, if a model like this hit the road, would it turn your head or just feel like another electric crossover trying too hard?