Dyson electric car patents reveal possibilities of large wheels, 3rd-row seating

Recently published patents and an interview give a few insights into the possibilities being considered for Dyson’s first electric vehicle.

The Telegraph has a few more details about James Dyson’s thoughts on the car, as obtained from a memo sent to staff. The company is still planning to launch the vehicle in 2021, with Dyson saying it will be “entirely designed by Dyson, manufactured by Dyson, and sold by Dyson.”

Dyson told staff the car would contain “fundamentally new technologies and make some inventive leaps,” and such advances could be seen in the vehicle’s aerodynamics, efficiency, and architecture.

The drawings in the patents admittedly don’t reveal much. They are instead said to “show an androgynous vehicle and provide a glimpse of some of the inventive steps that we are considering.”

Nevertheless, the patent hints at relatively large wheels. According to The Telegraph, Dyson says the wheels were inspired by the Mini’s design, which would make the vehicle more efficient and ready to take on both “city and rough terrain.”

Third-row seats can also be seen in a patent sketch. “Androgynous vehicle” claims notwithstanding, their inclusion leads us to believe Dyson is at least considering this possibility.

To that point, Dyson also mentioned in his memo that he’s uninterested in smaller electric cars, noting that the “ride comfort of such vehicles tends to limit their attractiveness and utility.”

He also expressed his desire to see the UK move up its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2030. A government committee recently recommended the date be moved up to 2035 from 2040.

Dyson announced last October it would build its electric vehicles in Singapore. Another report last year claimed Dyson is planning to build three electric vehicles.

Electrek’s Take

While there are a number of caveats here, the patent designs, when paired with Dyson’s memo and comments, do seem to give us a vague idea of what the company may be aiming for with its first electric vehicle: a large, aerodynamic crossover with an emphasis on ride comfort.

No information was given on the battery and powertrain. Dyson is known to be very interested in solid-state batteries, but there’s still no indication as of yet that this first EV would use them.