Newlab at Michigan Central is home to a new 10,000-square-foot center for manufacturers of light electric vehicles (LEVs) – two- and three-wheeled vehicles mostly used for short distances, such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

The center, dubbed “BeaconLab,” is operated by the newly created Beacon Manufacturing and will operate as a prototyping and logistics services manufacturing consultant, coordinator, and manufacturing hub for startups. It is equipped with several bays of assembly stations and state-of-the-art advanced machinery for robotic wheel building, laser-tube cutting, and robotic welding, to accelerate startups’ journey from concept to scale. The company leases the space from Newlab and is paid a fee for service by clients.

Beacon Manufacturing also owns the Detroit Bikes brand, which it purchased in May from Cardinal Cycling Group.

SBN Detroit interviewed CEO Gary Thornton, who previously was general manager of Detroit Bikes, about plans for the center, trends in LEV mobility, and other topics.

Q: Beacon Manufacturing is focused on prototyping and logistics services for light electric vehicle (LEV) manufacturers. Explain what this entails.

A: Our work at Beacon Manufacturing is twofold. First, we focus on prototyping, helping startups move from concept to tangible products. We take initial designs and create physical prototypes, allowing companies to refine their ideas and demonstrate proof of concept.

The second part involves logistics services, acting as a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. We rent warehouse space specifically tailored for LEVs. Our team manages everything from storing products to shipping them out, ensuring each vehicle is operational before it leaves the facility. This includes handling specific challenges related to LEV batteries and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Q: What types of companies and vehicles do you work with?

A: We primarily collaborate with companies focused on last-mile delivery solutions. These startups are experimenting with new vehicle designs – e-scooters, e-bikes, and even electric tricycles – to solve urban transportation issues.

One example of our work is with Civilized Cycles, a Newlab-based startup developing an e-bike with a tricycle and trailer attachment. Their solution addresses congestion in cities like New York, where specific zones impose fees on larger vehicles. Using a smaller LEV, they can transport goods efficiently without contributing to traffic or emissions.

Q: What is the market potential for LEVs?

A: The LEV market is massive and largely untapped. The need for efficient, low-emission transportation in urban areas is growing rapidly. We’re seeing interest from companies large and small, all looking to shift away from traditional vehicles.

Cities like New York, Paris, and others are exploring ways to reduce congestion and improve air quality by shutting down portions of the city to standard vehicles or charging usage fees. LEVs fit perfectly into this evolving landscape, providing a practical and sustainable solution for short-distance travel and deliveries.

Detroit’s ecosystem is ideal for LEV development with its roots in automotive design and manufacturing.  Within a 20-mile radius, you can find suppliers for almost any component.

We are working on LEVs as mentioned to address the last mile of delivery or traffic congestion, and we are currently working on an extremely rugged LEV that can be used to deploy power grids remotely for farmers and everything in between.

There is a constant quest to come up with ideas to push the limits within Newlab and Southeast Michigan.

Q: What challenges do LEV manufacturers face when scaling production?

A: The biggest hurdle is cost. Traditional auto suppliers aren’t set up for small runs, so startups often face prohibitively high quotes. We are set up to focus on the individual manufacturing processes and tailor solutions to their scale.

Another challenge is managing expectations. Many entrepreneurs want a final product that’s perfect, but early prototypes need to prioritize function over aesthetics. Our role is to guide them through this process, ensuring they have a viable product to show investors or test in the market.

Q: What types of collaborations do you facilitate, and how do these impact LEV development?

A: We enable companies to focus on their core strengths, such as design and marketing, by handling their logistics, manufacturing, and shipping needs. Currently, our warehouse hosts four electric motorcycle brands, two e-bike brands, and even an electric snowmobile company.

These collaborations foster a supportive environment where different players in the LEV space can learn from each other, share resources, and accelerate their growth.

Q: How do you see the LEV market evolving in the next 5–10 years, particularly in Southeast Michigan?

A: The LEV market is poised for explosive growth, much like the e-bike market has experienced. The acceptance of battery-powered tools and vehicles is spreading quickly. From electric lawnmowers to chainsaws, we’re seeing a cultural shift toward cleaner, more efficient technologies.

In Southeast Michigan, the manufacturing expertise built over decades in the auto industry provides a strong foundation for LEV innovation. Detroit is uniquely positioned to become a hub for LEV development and production.

Q: How has Newlab enhanced Beacon Manufacturing’s ability to innovate and scale?

A: Newlab has been transformative for our operations. The state-of-the-art machinery and resources available here – CNC (computer numerical control) machines, cleanrooms for electronics, woodshops, and metal shops – allow us to tackle complex manufacturing challenges.

The collaborative environment also plays a crucial role. Being part of a community of innovators means we’re constantly learning and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in LEV manufacturing.

What are your plans for BeaconLab as it relates to the LEV industry in Southeast Michigan and beyond?

A: We’re focused on scaling our operations to meet the growing demand.

At Newlab, we’ve set up five fully stocked workbenches that startups can rent to assemble their vehicles. This hands-on space allows entrepreneurs to bring their concepts to life.

Additionally, we’re expanding our offsite facilities to accommodate larger manufacturing runs. Our new 20,000-square-foot warehouse will support startups ready to scale from prototypes to larger production runs of 100 or even 1,000 units.

Also, I’m extremely optimistic about Detroit’s future in this space. The city’s deep manufacturing expertise, coupled with the growing demand for sustainable transportation, creates a unique opportunity. Detroit can and will continue to lead in LEV innovation, contributing to a more sustainable future for urban mobility.

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