motor

leblanc2.0 · 10-01-2006, 04:56 PM

Forget biodiesel and fuel cell-powered vehicles, how about a whip that doesn't require any fuel whatsoever? The Venturi Eclectic, touted as an "autonomous energy vehicle," gets its charge from wind gusts and 8.2 square feet of solar cells atop its roof. The four-person ride boasts a 22-horsepower purely electric engine, is powered by liquid-cooled NiMH batteries, and can reach a (yawn-inducing) top-end speed of nearly 32mph. While it's no Wrightspeed X1, the designers had "daily driver" in mind when the Ecletic was crafted, but considering it'll only roll 31 miles on a full charge, you best take the scenic (read: sunny) route to work if you're facing a long commute. The car does sport an option to recharge via AC power, should you face darker (and calmer) than expected conditions, but since it weighs just 772 pounds, a foursome shouldn't have too much trouble using the tried and true "push method" if worse comes to worst. Scheduled for production in June 2007, this oh-so-green automombile will run you €24,000 ($30,511) -- if you can manage to score one of the 200 that'll be built, that is.

[Via MobileMag]

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TopGearNL · 10-01-2006, 05:24 PM

Venturi made this pile of crap after making the Sportscar? :shock:

Thats like Ferrari making wheelchairs suddenly !

gucom · 10-01-2006, 06:53 PM

The Venturi Eclectic (...) gets its charge from wind gusts

WTH??? thats like... WHAT THE HELL??? im all for greener cars and such, but a sailing car? man, people are taking things too far... whats the point in having a car if you want the wind to propel you? surely kitesurfing must be faster

Mattk · 10-01-2006, 10:25 PM

If it was going to be this inefficient, they could have made it more aerodynamic. This is a laughable concept.

crazidude · 10-02-2006, 01:57 AM

Scheduled for production in June 2007, this oh-so-green automombile will run you €24,000 ($30,511) -- if you can manage to score one of the 200 that'll be built, that is.

I some how doubt I'll have any problem getting one of the 200.

Mattk · 10-02-2006, 02:07 AM

Donald Trump will probably buy them all to use as golf carts. Then he'll go "Look at me, I'm so cool, I use environmentally friendly golf carts."

Mattk · 10-02-2006, 06:33 AM

This is quite bizarrely, real.

leblanc2.0 · 10-02-2006, 02:30 PM

Venturi AstroLab electro-solar hybrid

ELECTRO-SOLAR HYBRID

HYBRIDE ELECTROSOLAIRE

With 3.6 m2 of photovoltaic cells giving an exceptional yield of 21%, and covered by a film composed of nano-prisms enabling denser concentration of solar energy, Astrolab is the first high-performance solar vehicle to be commercialised in the world.

Capable of working with very little energy (16 kWc engine) and of recharging even when in motion, this vehicle of another era does not need to be permanently exposed to the sun in order to move. Its last-generation NiMH Venturi NIV-7 batteries – liquid cooled – in fact enable it to restitute stored energy, whether solar or from the electricity supply, making it the first electro-solar hybrid vehicle.
With a top speed of 120 km/hr and autonomy of 110 km, Astrolab is a real "Solar Commuter" making extensive trips on a daily basis.

CONSUMPTION = 0, EMISSIONS = 0

This is very first vehicle that consumes no fossile resources in order to work : the emissions of CO2 required for its construction will even be compensated for by evironmental actions.
A parallel can be drawn between Astrolab and a sailboat : both advance silently while making best use of the elements provided by Nature. And the piloting of both makes for sensations unlike any other.
To attain this level of performance while using very little energy, Astrolab has been designed like a Formula 1 : its carbon monocoque chassis is ultra-light and serves as an oversized protection cell ensuring the safety of its occupants in the event of a collision. Its profile recalls the aqua-dynamic design of great racing yachts.

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