City Transformer

City Transformer is an Israeli automotive technology firm established in 2014, focused on developing solutions for urban mobility. The company was founded by Dr. Asaf Formoza, Udi Meridor, and Eyal Cremer. The initial concept for a foldable car chassis emerged in 2013 from the work of Formoza, Gideon Goldwine, and Erez Abramov, laying the groundwork for the company's core technology. CEO Dr. Asaf Formoza holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, while COO Udi Meridor is a graduate of NASA's Singularity University with a background in nano-physics. This blend of engineering and forward-thinking expertise underpins the company's mission.

The firm is developing a line of all-electric, two-seater micro-vehicles designed specifically for congested city environments. The key differentiator is a patented folding mechanism that allows the vehicle to change its width while in motion. This technology enables the car to shrink from a standard driving width of 1.4 meters down to just 1 meter for navigating traffic or fitting into tight parking spaces. The business model targets both direct-to-consumer sales via the internet and fleet owners, such as car-sharing services and delivery companies, who can benefit from the vehicle's small footprint and lower operating costs. The company has also formed a partnership with the emergency responder organization United Hatzalah in Israel to provide vehicles for easier maneuvering in emergencies.

The company's production-ready model is the CT-2, an evolution of its CT-1 prototype. Weighing approximately 590 kg with its battery, the vehicle is powered by two 7.5 kW electric motors. In its wider 'Performance' mode, it can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, while the narrow 'City' mode limits the speed to 45 km/h for enhanced safety. The CT-2 boasts a range of up to 180 km and features a 15 kWh battery that can be quick-charged to 80% in about 30 minutes. The vehicle seats two people in a tandem configuration (1+1) and offers up to 450 liters of cargo space when the rear seat is adapted. Acknowledged for its design, the company was named one of TIME magazine's "best inventions of 2020" and was voted a "top 10 car of IAA mobility 2021". Since its inception, City Transformer has raised over $20 million in funding from various private and corporate investors and received grants from the Israel Innovation Authority.

Keywords: urban mobility, electric microcar, variable width chassis, transforming vehicle, L7e vehicle class, sustainable transportation, last-mile delivery, car sharing, compact EV, Israeli automotive, smart city technology, tandem seating, electric vehicle, automotive innovation, Asaf Formoza, CT-2, folding car, urban transportation solution, EV startup, small electric car