City Transformer, a pioneering Israeli electric mobility start-up, has been recognised in the prestigious 2023 German Design Awards.
The marque’s first production model, the CT-1, has been awarded ‘Gold’ for its excellent and outstanding design in the category of passenger vehicles, with jurors highlighting its revolutionary shape-shifting chassis. The CT-1 was previously recognised by the renowned German Design Council earlier this year, when it was also awarded ‘Gold’ in the 2022 German Innovation Awards.
The CT-1 is a mini-mobility vehicle that provides the manoeuvrability and easy parking of a motorcycle, coupled with the safety, comfort and the performance of a car. The two-seater all-electric microcar can transform while in motion – from 1.4m wide where it is capable of 90km/h on open roads, to just 1m wide to allow it to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and park easily in smaller spaces. Compared to an average, full-sized electric vehicle, the CT-1 is twice as energy efficient, 75% smaller in weight and footprint, and saves 80% in battery weight.
The German Design Award jury described the CT-1 as: “a role model for sustainability” and “the perfect solution in urban traffic.” They also praised its compact size, its extraordinary ability to expand the width of its axles, its pleasantly spacious cockpit and its state-of-the-art technical functions.
Since concept creation in 2017, City Transformer has raised more than $20m in investment from individuals and organisations in Israel, Singapore, Canada and the USA, with an additional $100m expected through 2023.
The latest round enabled City Transformer to build two advanced seventh-generation homologation prototypes, securing full approval to drive on European roads and leading to the introduction of the CT-1 production model in August 2021.
Dr. Asaf Formoza, co-Founder and CEO City Transformer, said: “We are thrilled to receive this honour from the German Design Council. This award recognizes that the CT-1 has been beautifully designed in all aspects – technologically, environmentally, aesthetically and experientially. Our serial production vehicle will take this design one step further, giving our customers something to look forward to. I would like to thank Mr. Lutz Dietzold, the CEO of the German Design Council and all jury members.”
Earlier this year, City Transformer selected SEGULA Technologies France as its leading engineering development partner across all aspects of design and engineering. It also signed an agreement with Bosch Software to collaborate on the development of a seamless, user-friendly automotive connection to the digital world with the best customer experience. The company’s brand identity is currently being shaped by Stockholm Design Lab, the company responsible for the branding of Volvo, Polestar, Adidas and Absolut.
City Transformer is due to launch a shared fleet pilot with the municipalities of Tel Aviv in Israel and Heilbronn in Germany in Q1 2024.
Serial production and market launch of the CT-1 is due to start in Q4 2024. Customers can pre-order with a fully refundable €150 deposit, with a total price of €13,000 (£10,730) before VAT and local taxes, for a limited time and in limited quantity via the company’s website. The final price will be €16,000, excluding VAT and local taxes.
