Hasta La Ideas

On paper, the Ziesel simply sounds like a well-conceived alternative mobility solution, something like an off-road version of Professor Xavier’s wheelchair. But the rugged electric vehicle is more than just a mere conveyance: The Ziesel can also be used for recreation and industrial purposes and was designed expressly to strike a balance between sustainability and performance without compromising on either count. Designer Jan Dornig offered detailed insight into the thinking behind the Ziesel.

Core77: What was the original project brief or inspiration for the Ziesel? And what does the name mean?

Jan Dornig: Our company, Mattro Mobility Revolutions, was involved in a research project that focused on developing an automated battery exchange system for vehicles and one of our tasks was to build test vehicles. We basically took the battery system, two electric motors and some tracks we had from another project to build the first prototype. Some friends noted that an easily drivable vehicle that can conquer difficult terrain would be great for wheelchair users, which got us seriously interested in developing the Ziesel further. Thus, the innovation of the Ziesel is rooted firmly in its technology. From the beginning, we used powerful, high quality components. While it is a great use to enable people to do more, we always wanted to do more as well and create the Ziesel as an electric, compact and powerful ATV.

“Ziesel” is the German name for a species of ground squirrel—a very agile little thing, which is why we thought it fitting. This use of animal names originated from my first vehicle project, the design of the vehicle while I was at the FH Salzburg, the Steinbock [alpine ibex, a species of mountain goat]. At the time, I was still a student at the university and that was how I got involved with the company. (The final decision was between the wolf and the steinbock, by the way.)

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