Electric Dreams

The Dendrobium by Vanda Electrics is a striking beauty. Edgy but with aerodynamic curves in all the right places, the low-slung hypercar is inspired by nature and rooted in technology. Balanced with great care, the need for technology to be embodied within this elegant work of sculpture is testament to the endless pursuit of bringing utmost quality in terms of Thoughts, Design and Build of the Dendrobium – and like a true masterpiece, only 10 to 20 cars will be made.

Locally Grown, International Pedigree

Vanda Electrics, the maker of the Dendrobium, has its eye on a future powered by clean energy. "Everyone's looking at electric cars now. We're on the cusp of change," according to Vanda Electrics Chief Executive Larissa Tan. The Singaporean company is clearly committed to this vision, and has brought on an array of international partners. The Dendrobium will incorporate four YASA motors and Formula E lithium batteries from British motoring group, Williams. Inspired by the flower that shares its name, the characteristic feature of the car is the design of the doors which open like an orchid in bloom. The Dendrobium is expected to reach speeds above 320km/h, and will have a range of 240km on a single charge.

The Dendrobium is expected to reach speeds above 320km/h, and will have a range of 240km on a single charge.

Branching out

Hypercars are but just the tip of Vanda Electrics’ ambitions to meet a growing regional and global demand for cleaner mobility solutions. The company is establishing itself in the consumer and industrial motoring space, with two other electric vehicles: the Ant Truck and the Motochimp, both reflecting Vanda’s expertise in marrying aesthetics and functionality.

A versatile fast-charging mini truck with a payload of one ton, the Ant Truck can be customised with various add-ons to its chassis for numerous industrial and municipal applications in growing cities around the region.

It has a charging time of around 30 minutes, giving it enough power to cover up to 100 km at a go, making it suited for multiple quick and short trips in urban areas. Rounding up the Vanda Electrics line-up is an urban mobility device inspired by the spirit of spontaneity and curiousity. The Motochimp is a single-seat electric motorcycle that incorporates fast charging and a slim profile for dashing in and out of busy streets and dense crowds. Contactless RFID-enabled ignition and quick charging further enable the Motochimp to fit conveniently into any mobile urbanite’s lifestyle.

The Future is Electric

This shift towards electric-powered vehicles is no mere trend, but a key solution to the energy and environmental issues that concern us today. The first lies in consumption: Electric drivetrains far outpace internal combustion engine (ICE) drivetrains in terms of converting energy into mileage, making them a far less resource-intensive option. With fewer and smaller moving parts, and highly efficient inverters that translate DC power from batteries into AC to run the motors, battery-powered electric vehicles are up to 70 - 80% efficient across a range of speeds. This is a stark contrast to petrol-powered vehicles, which barely register a third of that percentage.

Secondly, research continues to show that the bulk of a vehicle’s carbon production occurs during operation versus production (electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions), their efficient energy conversion going a long way to make the case for electric vehicles. With a steady global shift toward renewable energy, electric cars have never been greener – and Vanda Electrics is at the frontier of this bold movement.

A feat of engineering and design, the Dendrobium will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2017.