Charge Cars: Mark Bowen & The Mechanical Engineering Team
Our Head of Mechanical Engineering is Mark Bowen, who joined us at the tail-end of 2017, becoming one of the first people to walk through our doors.
How it started:
“I grew up in New Zealand and was passionate about the Automotive world from an early age. As a kid I used to sneak out of bed in the middle of the night to watch the Formula 1 and that inspired my interest in engineering.
My ultimate goal was to end up working for a Formula 1 team, which led me to moving to the UK in 2008 to design and build engines and chassis for series such as British GT, and Touring Cars. I was then offered my dream role in a major Formula 1 team and was simultaneously approached by Charge who were looking to design a high tech EV classic car. I knew at the time that EV was the future and this was a challenge I wanted to take on. I haven’t looked back since.
Walking into an empty workshop at Charge Cars with complete engineering freedom I knew this is where I wanted to be. It was obvious that the CEO, Vadim Shagaleev did not want to simply build a car, but was aiming to redefine how cars are designed and built. As a person who has embraced new technologies and pushed boundaries this was a perfect fit.”
When Mark joined Charge, the company was still in its infancy — there were only a handful of employees and the right platform to prove the concept was yet to be decided. Inspiration came in the form of the iconic Mustang. Following the success of XP01, our proof-of-concept vehicle, Charge’s vision of producing 499 brand new Electric Mustangs brought a new challenge of scaling up the project.
Mark’s design concept of a modular system allows Charge Cars to build any classic EV vehicle using the same platform and this became an integral part of the success of developing the Electric Mustangs. It was a pivotal moment for Mark who worked closely with Sean Keppler at our specialist US body shell supplier.
Challenges & Solutions
“We locked ourselves away for a week staring at monitors and laptops, working into the early hours to figure out a way to accelerate production. We quickly realised that the issue wasn’t trying to fit the batteries into a small car or any of the bodyshell components, but around the whole EV build itself. After a week of endless take-aways and coffees I came back to the office and handed our CEO the USB stick with our Rear Drive Unit on it. This is where the idea for a modular system began.”
The modular system can be built independently of the car and we are able to clip it into any vehicle with the addition of a few vital components. It is a revolutionary way of building cars — a cross between motorsport engineering and conventional production methods. At the time, it was the most challenging part of the whole build as well as becoming the biggest achievement for Charge Cars at that moment.
Mechanical Engineering’s Team Work:
The Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for design of the modular chassis, from concept to validation, as well as vehicle dynamics, thermal system and composite structures. The team prides itself on using a modern forward thinking approach to find solutions that honour the shape and style of the original car while embedding the latest technologies. Our mechanical engineers use CAE (computer aided engineering) and digital simulation alongside 3D scanning to verify that parts are accurate and repeatable.
A rigorous test program makes sure all parts designed in the department are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also lightweight, sustainable, reliable, and adhere to the latest safety standards.
Charge’s engineers come from a range of backgrounds within the automotive and motorsport industries including Formula 1, Supercars and OEMs. Every member brings a specialist skillset, which when combined, enables the company to fulfil its vision of redefining the way cars are designed and built.
“It’s a high-energy team with an equal passion for innovation and performance at the core. We derive immense satisfaction in building the future.”
What’s to come
“I want to make sure that classic cars have a future on our roads with the incredible technology that we are creating.”
