Vega EVX – A sleek two-seater fully-electric supercar has made it to the headlines of the automotive world! Claiming to be South Asia’s first fully-electric supercar, the car was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2020. However, what is surprising is where this car came from. In a world dominated by Tesla and Ferrari, the team at Vega International- Sri Lanka, has made a change in the playing field. Today, we take a detailed look at the story behind the Vega EVX Supercar; fully designed and manufactured in Sri Lanka – the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

From Humble BeginningsAs a subsidiary of CodeGen International, the Vega Innovations team began its journey towards building Vega EVX in the year 2015. The team comprised of fresh graduates from various universities and as such, the team did not have much automotive expertise. However, being determined to make a mark in the automotive world, the Vega innovations team worked tirelessly with the existing resources.

For the first two years, the group consisted of eight engineers. After that expanded to twenty motivated and hardworking staff. Today, the world applauds South Asia’s first all-electric sports car developed by this committed and hardworking team. The team led by Dr. Beshan Kulapala proudly unveiled this car at the Geneva International Motor show held in Geneva.

Vega EVX – Specifications

Powered by two 150-kW electric motors positioned at the front and rear axles. The Vega EVX has a combined output of 804hp. However, this was not the initial aim of Vega Innovations, whose ambitious nature focused on reaching a production of 900hp. Made of carbon fiber and weighing 2,090 Kgs, the Vega EVX can accelerate zero – 100km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery is 55kWh. All electronics including the motor controllers as well as body and thermal controls have been designed and manufactured in-house. Advance traction control inverters produced using patent-pending technology ensures high power density requirements of the Vega EVX. The pin-fin structure baseplate propriety technology guarantees reduced cost and enhanced lifetime of this car. Being similar to the Ferrari 488, Vega EVX boasts of a sleek exterior, high rump, and expanded fenders.

Production Details

As an agricultural country, Sri Lanka does not have much to offer in terms of resources to build a sports car. This includes the required technology, human resources, etc. Sri Lanka’s policies on tax, labor profiles and manufacturing capabilities also add to the cost of production. However, the team’s main aim was to create an entirely homegrown car, which, unlike other EV supercars, would be designed and manufactured within the country. Resulting from this determination and dedication, the team was able to design and build all components of the Vega EVX including the battery pack and 1:1 plug of the chassis and body front. Only the 3D laser scanner was borrowed from a local university according to a statement released by Vega International. The project commenced with an investment of 500,000 USD and by its conclusion had reached an expenditure of more than a million dollars.

Looking ahead

Currently, there is the various question being asked concerning the future of the Vega EVX Supercar. The most popular among them is whether the car would be sold as a limited edition or if the technology will be licensed. Answering these concerns, Dr. Kulapala states that currently, the team is looking at various business models to ensure its efforts are fruitful. However, the technology would in no way be sold to any foreign entity but would be sustained within the country. Stepping into the international market, the team faces many challenges in terms of quality, sales price, features, branding, etc.

which would also be included in the discussions of Vega EVX’s future. Currently, Vega International is also looking at keeping up with evolving software and technology around the world. In doing so, the team is looking at incorporating a media-based autonomous navigation system.

The focus of Vega International is evident; to improve the country’s automotive industry and increase its recognition in the international market.

They aim at connecting with vendors who sell fiber-based and coir based products such as car seats to other larger companies in the market. Currently Vega International has collaborated with a Japanese company to manufacture a small electric car parallel to the Vega EVX. This process will begin by the end of 2020 and will provide the team with insight on ensuring high-quality products while maintaining a low cost and high efficiency.