Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, innovation is the name of the game. As legacy automakers and EV startups race to deliver cleaner, smarter, and more convenient transportation solutions, a new name has entered the arena—Avani, with its flagship electric SUV, the Avani E4. Developed by Electa Motors, a subsidiary of Derek Automotive, the Avani E4 doesn’t just promise zero emissions—it offers a reimagined EV experience built around cutting-edge technologies designed to solve one of the biggest pain points in EV ownership: charging.
Launched in late 2023 with deliveries projected for 2024, the Avani E4 aims to combine style, practicality, and futuristic technology. Its bold claims include near-continuous driving via two unique systems: Loop-Gen, a regenerative wheel-powered energy recapture system, and Proteus, a fuel-to-electric converter that extends driving range without reliance on traditional plug-in charging. Priced at $74,999 and limited to 730 “Signature Edition” units, the Avani E4 is not just an SUV—it’s a statement.
This article explores the Avani E4 in-depth, from its design and engineering to its place in the EV market and what it means for the future of sustainable transportation.
1. The Brand Behind the Innovation: Derek Automotive & Electa Motors
A New Player with Big Ambitions
Derek Automotive is a U.S.-based company founded with a vision to accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles through practical innovations. Its subsidiary, Electa Motors, is responsible for bringing the Avani E4 to market. Unlike many traditional car companies, Electa Motors is aiming to create not just vehicles but an ecosystem around green mobility.
Though relatively new, the company’s early experiments involved converting existing gas-powered Chinese vehicles into electric prototypes for internal testing. This hands-on R&D helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become the Avani E4—a clean-sheet design engineered for global electric mobility, starting with the U.S. market.
Avani: More Than Just a Car
“Avani” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “Earth,” reflecting the company’s focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The Avani E4 is the brand’s first production vehicle, designed to showcase technological leadership while meeting real-world demands for convenience, comfort, and eco-performance.
2. Performance & Powertrain
Electric Motor and Drivetrain
At the heart of the Avani E4 is a 200 kW permanent magnet electric motor, capable of delivering 360 lb-ft of torque in its standard configuration. This allows the E4 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.9 seconds—a respectable figure for a midsize electric SUV focused on efficiency and range rather than outright speed.
An advanced drivetrain design enables modularity. The company has plans to introduce dual- and triple-motor setups, with torque output reaching up to 1,173 lb-ft. This flexibility means future versions of the E4 may include performance trims or heavy-duty versions with enhanced towing capacity and off-road capabilities.
Real-World Usability
While performance specs place it in line with competitors like the Tesla Model Y Long Range or Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Avani E4 emphasizes balanced power delivery, smooth driving, and long-distance cruising comfort. It’s built not just for city driving, but also for those looking to take longer trips without frequent charging stops.
3. Charging Technology: Loop-Gen and Proteus
Loop-Gen: AI-Driven Regenerative Charging
The Loop-Gen system is a groundbreaking feature. Unlike traditional regenerative braking, which only recovers energy during deceleration, Loop-Gen incorporates wheel-mounted generators that use rotational energy to continuously feed electricity back into the battery.
Powered by AI algorithms, the system optimizes energy recapture based on speed, terrain, and driving behavior. This means the car could effectively “top off” its battery while in motion—reducing the need for external charging and increasing overall efficiency.
Proteus: Onboard Fuel-to-Electric Generator
The Proteus system acts as an onboard fuel-powered electric generator, providing an optional backup charging mechanism. It uses a small, efficient combustion unit (similar to a range extender) to generate electricity for the battery when needed. While it still uses fuel, emissions are far lower than a traditional engine, and it extends the vehicle’s range significantly.
This dual approach—Loop-Gen and Proteus—makes the Avani E4 ideal for remote areas, long road trips, or regions with limited EV charging infrastructure.
4. Battery & Range
High-Capacity Battery
The Avani E4 features a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, placing it firmly in the upper mid-range of electric SUVs. Though the company hasn’t published an official EPA range, it’s expected to deliver 300–350 miles per charge under real-world conditions—comparable to Tesla’s and Rivian’s offerings.
Continuous Energy Management
The combination of the Loop-Gen and Proteus systems means the battery is rarely operating in isolation. Energy is continuously supplemented by regenerative charging or onboard conversion, potentially reducing the number of full plug-in cycles over time.
This hybrid energy model presents a new paradigm—where EVs aren’t completely dependent on the grid for charging but instead become self-reliant to some extent.
5. Design & Dimensions
Exterior Design
The Avani E4 sports a modern and aerodynamic SUV silhouette. It measures approximately 4.75 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 1.65 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.93 meters. The design is both bold and sophisticated, featuring sharp LED headlights, a sleek roofline, and sculpted sides that give it a muscular yet elegant appearance.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Inside, the E4 offers a high-end cabin experience. The centerpiece is a three-screen dashboard setup:
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Digital Instrument Cluster
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Central Touchscreen Infotainment
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Passenger-side Display
Premium materials, ambient lighting, and ergonomic seating make the interior feel both high-tech and luxurious. The rear seats offer ample legroom, and the cargo area provides 375 liters (expandable to 840 liters)—more than enough for family or travel use.
6. Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is a key focus in the E4’s design. Standard features include
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Front and Side Airbags
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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Traction Control System (TCS)
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
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Brake Assist System (BAS)
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Hill Start Assist
Advanced driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are expected in future OTA updates or higher trims. The car also uses LIDAR sensors for 360° environmental awareness, supporting semi-autonomous driving functions.
7. Signature Edition & Pricing
The Avani E4 Signature Edition is limited to 730 units worldwide, each with a founder-signed interior plaque. This edition serves as both a collector’s piece and a test platform for Avani’s core technologies.
Pricing & Bonus Inclusions
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Price: $74,999
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Deposit: $5,000 (fully refundable)
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Bonus: Complimentary Electa E-Scooter
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2024, with priority given to early adopters in the U.S. market.
8. Market Position & Competition
At $75,000, the Avani E4 is positioned against high-end electric SUVs like
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Tesla Model Y Performance
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Rivian R1S
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Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
What sets the Avani E4 apart is its energy independence strategy. While competitors focus on increasing battery capacity or building fast-charging networks, Avani is trying to make EVs less dependent on both.
9. Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, the Avani E4 faces some hurdles:
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Validation: Loop-Gen and Proteus are largely untested in real-world consumer settings.
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Production Scale: As a new automaker, Derek Automotive must prove it can deliver quality at scale.
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Infrastructure: Although it needs fewer charging stations, service and maintenance networks are still essential.
There’s also skepticism from industry veterans, who caution against over-promising and under-delivering—a trap several EV startups have fallen into.
10. Future Outlook
The Avani E4 may be the beginning of a broader ecosystem. Electa Motors plans to expand its lineup to include
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Compact EVs
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Vans for commercial use
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Possibly a luxury sedan or performance variant
Additionally, the company hopes to open community-owned charging hubs and battery recycling initiatives, aligning with its mission of long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
The Avani E4 is more than just a new electric SUV—it’s a vision of what electric vehicles could become when freed from the limitations of infrastructure and charging anxiety. With its bold design, innovative energy systems, and strong sustainability ethos, it represents a new chapter in EV development.
While the journey ahead is full of challenges, if Electa Motors can deliver on its promises, the E4 may be remembered not just as a vehicle but as a turning point in electric