BEN electric quadricycle from CEiiA set to receive new CeNTI smart seats

Following European type approval and the announcement that a pilot production run is about to begin, the BEN - the electric quadricycle developed by CEiiA (Centre for Engineering and Product Development) in Matosinhos - is moving ever closer to everyday road use.

The next step is the arrival of a new generation of smart seats created by CeNTI (Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials) in Vila Nova de Famalicão.

These BEN seats are intended to do far more than simply support passengers. CeNTI is working on a package of solutions that builds textile heating, audio systems and lighting elements directly into the seat structure.

More technology in the cabin

One of the key upgrades is a heating system embedded within the fabric of both the seat base and the backrest, removing the need for heavier, conventional heating solutions.

At the same time, the project also includes phosphorescent fibres integrated into the headrests and the rear of the seats, producing decorative lighting effects.

According to CeNTI, these technologies rely on lighter, more sustainable materials and can also help cut the vehicle’s overall weight.

Sound integrated into the headrests

The most striking development may be the audio system designed for the BEN. Rather than using standard speakers mounted in the doors or the dashboard, this Portuguese electric quadricycle incorporates an ultra-thin speaker directly into the headrest.

Built using printed electronics, the system received recognition at LOPEC - one of the leading international events focused on printed electronics - held in Germany.

CeNTI researchers say the setup can deliver the same functions as a conventional multimedia system, including playing music, making phone calls, running navigation apps and issuing alerts generated by the vehicle itself.

Small and accessible

All of these new solutions sit within the BEN’s ongoing development programme. The compact electric quadricycle created by CEiiA received approval to operate across the European Union at the end of last year.

Measuring around 2.50 metres in length, the BEN was designed with urban use in mind, particularly for shared-mobility services, although the concept also allows for different configurations to carry passengers and goods.

Production of an initial batch of units is expected to start at BEN Garagem in Matosinhos, providing the foundation for industrialising the project over the coming years. Under the plan presented by CEiiA, the target is decentralised production of 20,000 units per year by 2030, with an entry price from €8,000.