Electric weekend 2.-4.8.2024.

On the first weekend of August, Finland’s electric vehicle community gathered in the village of Nurmaa in Mäntyharju to explore new innovations in electric mobility. Companies from the light mobility cluster based in Mikkeli were also on-site, presenting their products and services.

“Here comes a Tesla speeding towards you, get ready to stop it,” the traffic controllers of the Electric Weekend event relayed through their phones, ensuring that participants didn’t miss the turnoff to the Woikoski Feeling tourism center.

An impressive lineup of electric cars was on display in the outdoor exhibition area of the tourism center’s car museum. Under the banner of Mikkeli Development Company Miksei, companies from the light mobility cluster in Mikkeli showcased their innovations.

The Electric Jet Family Expands

The prototype of an electric jet ski, manufactured under the Viva Electric Jets brand, has already been in testing and on the market. In a couple of months, it will receive a new hull.

“We are advancing product development on two paths. We are starting to build a cruiser version of the jet ski, which will cater to a broad user base. We are also developing a prototype of a GT version, a more competitive model. Our first product for sale will be on the market by the end of the year,” describes Henrik Kärkkäinen, the developer of the jet ski and a partner in the company.

There have also been requests for a model suitable for professional use, such as for rescue services and the police, with the storage spaces professionals require and the ability to be customized for specific needs.

The company’s market entry has been rapid. They started in Mikkeli in November 2023 and immediately went to trade fairs to showcase their products. Since then, product development has been ongoing in Mikkeli.

“It was from zero to water in half a year. From the prototype, we gathered all the possible data to design the next version as quickly as possible.”

Kärkkäinen describes that there’s now great buzz around electric light mobility in Mikkeli.

“It would be great to get chargers for electric jet skis and boats at the harbors in Mikkeli, Ristiina, and Puumala. If charging points were available, in about two years, you could travel between the cities of Saimaa electrically. Where fueling a motorboat costs 100 euros, electric boating would cost about 10 euros, making electric water transport much more appealing to consumers.”

Kärkkäinen points out that fast chargers are only suitable for interim charging. Electric boating will advance as more charging stations are available, which can also serve as energy storage in harbors.

“The future lies in charging points that feed energy into the grid and maintain batteries. Soon, lakeside cottages will use solar panels to charge electric vehicles’ batteries and provide electricity for cottages, even those without power.”

Aurora Powertrains Develops Battery Technology

Aurora Powertrains, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric snowmobiles, has established a production line for electric battery systems in Mikkeli. Under the eSled brand, they manufacture battery systems that can be used for both electric vehicles and various household energy needs.

“The idea is bidirectional energy use. During periods of low electricity prices, batteries can also be used as energy storage. We are collaborating with InterControl and utilizing its charging infrastructure. In terms of size, we are still at the startup stage with battery technology. Our expertise lies in battery and transmission technology and delivering customized products,” explains the company’s brand manager, Ismo Mäkinen.

On display at the event was an electric snowmobile manufactured by the company that has already logged 150,000 kilometers.

“We have proven our product’s functionality. In the future, we are interested in developing solutions for work machines and mobile devices as well. Our exports are growing rapidly, with a lot of interest. Product development for different applications takes time and requires additional funding. Our product has a unique design, and we have designed it from scratch, unlike competitors who have simply removed the combustion engine. The agility of our product surprises snowmobile testers.”

The demand is so strong that they have already made sales to both the northern and southern polar regions.

“We have already delivered our first electric snowmobile to Greenland, and one is also headed to the South Pole. Here at Electric Weekend, we are among our core audience – pioneers in the field,” Mäkinen, who is also a shareholder in the company, explains.

Aurora works closely with Viva Jets and Valkama Watercraft developers to refine their battery technology. One of Valkama’s electric boat models was also showcased at the event in Woikoski.

AMS Corporation Develops Portable DC Fast Charging Station

Mikkeli-based AMS Corporation has completed the development of a DC fast-charging station, which can charge an electric vehicle’s battery in 10-15 minutes, allowing it to drive up to 300 kilometers.

The unique feature of the charging station is that it can be transported and used from a trailer if needed.

“The idea is that the fast charging station can be moved from place to place as needed. For example, in the Nagu archipelago, there is a high demand in the summer, but in winter, the station could be used in Inari – the same device can and should be moved between locations.”

The company’s leaders hope to quickly find a pilot site around the Saimaa area to test their product. For instance, boat harbors lack charging stations for electric boats and jet skis.

“Slow charging from a regular socket can take up to 10 hours, which could harm the reputation of the harbors. There is a need for DC fast charging stations. The best pilot partners for us would be cities and municipalities. The investment won’t go to waste, as the fast charging station can be moved from one location to another as needed, depending on the season. Especially in small towns, this would make use very convenient. Customization is also possible when testing different applications, and customers involved in the pilot project would benefit from a lower cost. A test site could be, for example, a harbor in the Saimaa region.”

The company’s developers remind us that we are currently in the midst of an electric mobility revolution, as new batteries are emerging. At present, battery owners can also price their charging services more flexibly.

AMS Corporation’s main product is the development of a remotely controlled, semi-autonomous UGV device, suitable for rescue missions and use in the logistics and defense sectors.

Tourist Resorts Discover the Snow Scooter

The Kauppinen couple, who run a tourism business in Central Finland, have developed the eLyly snow scooter, which can travel up to 30 kilometers on a single charge. The vehicle is suitable for 1.5-3 hour guided tours.

“Our product is the first of its kind in the world. Its design was created by designer Harri Koskinen, and the ski is manufactured by Pusu Ski Factory. We have a unified European patent, and we are applying for patents in the United States, Canada, and Norway. Our product has many solutions not found on the market. In practice, only about 10 components we use are commercially available; everything else is custom-made domestically, meaning the product is Design from Finland and holds the Key Flag symbol,” explain Pasi and Minna Kauppinen.

The company is already selling its product internationally. They are seeking additional funding to develop different versions of the product. The eLyly entrepreneurs would also like to join Mikkeli’s cluster.

“We have the opportunity to conquer the global market with this product and bring new, exciting activities to Finnish winter tourism. The manufacturing of our product also provides jobs for companies in the wood, metal, plastic, and electrical industries. I believe that we will create a new type of hype for winter tourism.”

The device is easy to handle, weighing only around 50 kilograms with its battery. The company’s snow scooters can be found at domestic tourist resorts, and the first ones have also been sold to the United States and Norway. Overall, around 50 electric scooters are already in use worldwide.

“To fully launch exports, we are seeking funding. Based on our experience, we see huge potential in this product for winter tourism. This could become a unique Scandinavian brand, comparable to the Danish concept of ‘hygge,’ with a range of accessories related to winter hiking and moving in winter nature.”

Electric Weekend Woikoski was held on August 2-4, 2024, at the Woikoski Feeling Tourism Center in Nurmaa, Mäntyharju. The event attracted a large number of pioneers in electric mobility. Woikoski Feeling is part of Woikoski Oy.

Mikkeli’s cluster is looking for new companies developing products and services in electric light mobility to join.

For more information:

Mikkeli Development Company Miksei, Project Manager Marjo Niittuaho-Nastolin,
Phone: +358 50 350 2055,
Email: marjo.niittuaho-nastolin(at)mikseimikkeli.fi