ENVO opens global contest to design its next modular EV

Canadian mobility company ENVO Drive Systems has launched Next Move, a worldwide design contest inviting anyone to propose the next modular electric vehicle built on its UPT platform. Early standout concepts will be featured at CES 2027 in Las Vegas, and the winner will receive an ENVO e-bike.

Why it matters: - ENVO is trying to crowdsource the next version of its modular electric vehicle platform. - The contest could surface new concepts for right-sized EVs built for work, recreation and specialized use. - Three early concepts will get public exposure at CES 2027 in Las Vegas, giving entrants a rare industry stage.

What happened: - ENVO Drive Systems Inc. launched Next Move on October 15, 2026. - The contest asks designers, engineers, builders, students and other participants anywhere in the world to propose a vehicle built on ENVO’s modular UPT platform. - Entries open October 15, 2026, and close February 15, 2027. - ENVO will name the winner on February 28, 2027.

The details: - The contest is open worldwide to individuals, teams of up to four and businesses. - Each individual or team may submit one concept. - Entries must be in English. - Participants under the legal age of majority where they live need verified parent or guardian consent. - AI-generated designs and renders are not eligible. - Accepted submission formats include written proposals, detailed design drawings, CAD files, conventional renders and Configurator outputs. - Participants can also submit both an industrial design and a written idea. - The entry must make clear what uses existing UPT technology and what would need further development. - Judges will score entries on context of use, form and design, performance, technical feasibility, vision, innovation, simplicity, social awareness, sustainability and business viability. - The winner will receive an ENVO D50 or ST50 e-bike of their choice. - The full rules and registration are available through ENVO’s contest materials and more information.

Between the lines: - ENVO is positioning the UPT as a platform that buyers can help shape, not just a finished vehicle. - The company is leaning into community collaboration and design crowdsourcing as part of its mobility strategy. - The contest also extends the origin story of the UPT, which first emerged from ENVO’s Next Move 2022–23 competition. - That earlier contest drew 382 entries from 34 countries across snow, water and all-terrain categories. - Canadian designer Alan Tam won that contest with a modular all-terrain electric platform concept that became the basis for the UPT. - Tam later joined ENVO and contributed industrial design to the final UPT concept. - The UPT uses a single chassis, electric drivetrain and control system to support 18-plus configurations. - ENVO says buyers can use its online Configurator to rough out a custom vehicle in minutes for uses such as last-mile delivery, landscaping and trail recreation.

What's next: - Three standout concepts submitted by December 15, 2026, will be selected for display at ENVO’s CES 2027 booth in Las Vegas. - Those featured concepts remain eligible for the final prize. - ENVO will showcase the UPT at CES 2027 with test drives. - ENVO will announce the jury before final judging.

The bottom line: - ENVO is betting that an open design contest can help define the next phase of modular electric mobility while also amplifying its UPT launch.