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July Newsletter
- Lit Motors
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Dear Lit Motors Community,
We hope you’re having a great summer and we want to share what's been keeping us busy and engaged since our last newsletter.
‘Mini’ 1.0
The development of the Mini is underway. While it won’t physically look like a sub-scale version of the X-1, it is being designed so that it’s the mechanical equivalent at a subscale.
Until now, we’ve focused solely on characterizing and validating the static balancing capabilities of the sub-scale gyros. With the Mini, we are incorporating a steering system which enables us to characterize the “backlash” of the mechanical steering assembly as part of our Stability Augmented Steering. This will allow us to expedite the development and testing process to reach our performance spec of our controls of the fullscale X-1 prototype.
We’re modifying the selected chassis and designing custom-fabricated components to mount the sub-scale gyros, electronics, suspension, and steering assembly. We’re also integrating a more powerful processing unit that allows us to accelerate the controls development with more comprehensive data acquisition of vehicle attitude.
In parallel, Brian Hamilton and Brian Underhill have been working with Dave Bailey to finalize the dynamic model for both the Mini and the X-1.
X-1 Prototype Development
We are preparing to start the X-1 (drive experience prototype) development with Ideenion this month. The purpose of this prototype is to collect high-level production data, including a Bill of Materials (BOM), aerodynamic drag (aero CD), supply chain strategy, safety projections, and most importantly, customer experience feedback and projected production volume.
International Patent Issuance
We recently received notice of international issuance of our anti-motion sickness patent in the EU. When the U.S. and Asian applications are issued, this will apply to the entire 4W automotive industry (not just our AEV) and secures our intellectual property through 2039. This covers 3 spline maneuvers around any given turn and frequencies in the range of .1 - 2 Hz, which is the primary range that induces motion sickness.
Just as a reminder, our 2-wheeled car inherently reduces motion-induced discomfort through the use of leaning utilizing Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). Unlike traditional vehicles that rely solely on suspension systems and dampers, our CMG-based stabilization actively manages vehicle roll and lean in real time. This precise control minimizes unpredictable body movements—one of the key triggers of motion sickness—making for a smoother and more comfortable ride. It’s yet another example of how our core technology not only enhances stability and control but also improves the passenger experience.
Recent Press/Socials
Monthly Survey
This month, we’re hoping to learn more about what is influencing buying (or not-buying) decisions for EV drivers and buyers.
Here are the results from last month’s survey. With summer in full swing, we’re seeing the typical spike in gas prices across the United States. Besides the 15% of survey respondents that own an EV, a third of the respondents are paying more than $60 to fill up their tanks!
When it comes to road trips this year, the majority of responses indicate that bigger is better regarding vehicle size. Almost half of respondents want the space and comfort that comes with an RV or larger SUV.
Next month we’ll cover the latest EV Gartner Report, Hype Cycle, and how the introduction of the Robotaxi ushers in the dusk of 4W EVs and the dawn of opportunity for Lit Motors. More updates are coming soon.
Thanks for being part of Lit!
Danny Kim
