Tag Archives: electric vehicle

Blackird demonstrator may show the future of flying cars

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If you think that we’re still decades away from having flying cars traversing the atmosphere, you’ve probably not kept up with the latest news in aviation. While we still probably won’t see any by next year, there are a lot of companies working on testing out their respective technologies when it comes to developing electric flying vehicles. An Austrian startup is looking at letting a demonstrator fly by next year.

Designer: CycloTech

CycloTech is developing the Blackbird demonstrator that will be using a new propulsion system that will hopefully revolutionize how we will be looking at the potential of flying cars. The CycloRotor technology is the only system right now that can control the thrust vector in a full circular path (360°). This means it can brake and stop in mid-air, which will eventually be important when our airspace becomes busy.

The six 7th generation CycloRotors that will be part of the demonstrator will be able to do vertical take-off and landing and also have control in all directions. It will even be able to do parallel parking and mid-air braking/deceleration. Passengers will be able travel comfortably as the flight path and aircraft orientation will give them a stable flight even if they may encounter turbulence.

As a nervous flyer, I probably will not be falling in line to try this out when it will become commercially available. There are still a lot of safety issues that they will have to overcome but having six CycloRotors in the flying car may be a step towards safety as it can ensure the vehicle will continue to fly in case there’s an engine failure. They’re already looking at the first quarter of 2025 for the first flight of the electrically powered demonstrator. It looks nothing like what they’re envisioning the eventual flying car to be like though. For now, the demonstrator looks like a drone but eventually we’ll get the Jetsons-like flying cars of our dreams.

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Batmobile of the future readies for autonomous racing on the streets

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Having seen countless Batmobile designs all these years – whether concept or real ones – the buck stops at how intimidating the build is. The ride should have an Alpha presence when parked alongside other cars, no matter whether they are supercars, SUVs, or monster trucks.

If it’s a Batmobile it should be draped in dark hues of black, although matte is preferred to continue the dark theme. This car is designed for racing given its low riding position, almost glued to the tarmac just like a Formula racer.

Designer: Fabien Guilloux

RobotRacer BBA is a racing vehicle that has Brutal, Black and Autonomous in its DNA. Being a modern take on Batmobile this concept has raw mechanical appeal with the exposed components. Those big front and rear axles, suspension and air intakes take me back to the early 2000s when F1 racing cars had a similar exterior. The dark theme overpowers the sleek lines and curves of the car, however, it does give off a very cool racing vibe. Having a second look at the hover cam view, it looks like a love child of a stealth aircraft and an F1 racer.

The all-wheel drive vehicle has an electric powertrain ready to deliver all the torque to the front and rear wheels. Being completely autonomous gives the designer complete freedom to make it ultra-aerodynamic with the least possible drag coefficient. The side air intake pods are quite large but for electric transmission, they serve no purpose, just for aesthetics they are good. Those wheel rims are draped in matte black color to carry the theme. The only things that cannot have the dark hue are the movable metal components.

This concept design hit me as a futuristic Batmobile right from the time I first laid my eyes on it. However, being autonomous means Batman will never ride it given there’s no seating space on the inside. Crime fighting will be this car’s sole objective though on a lighter note.

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Polestar HAMMER x Hot Wheels is a sharp muscle car that deserves a real life rendition

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This year’s Polestar Design Contest 2024 is themed on unconstrained dreams inspired by nostalgic aspirations. Out of the numerous entries, the winner will have the opportunity to get their design recreated as a 1:64 Hot Wheels version. Yes, a purchasable Hot Wheels Polestar that’ll adorn the living room shelves and desk space of many enthusiasts.

Out of the finalized designs, the ones that impressed me the most are the Polestar Legacy by Robinson Mancaux, Polestar RoboToyRace by Anton Kulakov, Polestar Barchetta by Travis Yang, Polestar Crocus by Trystan Malbranque and Polestar LNR Space Runner Anand Namboodiri. That said we’ll not talk about any one of them here, because there’s one Polestar Hot Wheels design that didn’t make it to the final cut but gets my vote for the winner’s podium.

Designer: Siddhartha Dutt

This is the HAMMER Hot Wheels x Polestar that stays within the imaginative realm while still being futuristic looking. Imagining this as a Hot Wheels version is even more erotic. Inspired by Thor’s mighty weapon Mjölnir, this electric muscle car envisioned for Polestar comes with a booming performance platform that’s good enough for a real-life muscle car. Even though it’s a scaled-down version of a concept electric muscle fusion vehicle, the temptation to ride someday is undulating.

The typical Hot Wheels design on the front sets the tone for the sharp design aesthetics that follow aerodynamically to the rear. No curves here, indicating a futuristic DNA meant for the pure fun of driving on freeways. The designer keeps things toned down as far as stuffing muscle on the sides and the rear section goes. Still, he has managed to extract a very intimidating character out of this Hot Wheels. The wheels and the rims radiate a matching theme that’s highlighted by the silver and matte black inserts.

Just have a look at these renders that have a semblance of the Night Rider vehicle (a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am) but with a modern sharp appeal. Should this be just another concept that fades away or do you vouch for it to come to life one day?

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This handsome three-wheeled EV boasts advanced tilting tech to keep it from toppling over

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Three-wheeled electric vehicles mostly targeted for city driving are a practical option instead of four-wheelers and a safer bet than exposed two-wheelers. There’s a downside when compared to cars though, they are not as safe as you would expect them to be, since they can topple over if driven rashly.

This was the main focus for the French nonprofit electric mobility group, SIREMS Association, who’s developed one of the safest three-wheeled electric vehicles with advanced safety features to prevent accidents. The placement of the two wheels on the rear delivers more traction and the shift of center of gravity with the semi-reclined feet forward positioning helps produce more torque.

Designer: SIREMS Association

So that the rider is confident of cornering at high speeds, the rear wheels tilt depending on the tilt of the body. The maker has developed Mobile Lateral Elements (MLEs) which are a pair of advanced doo-hickeys on each side of the front wheel to eliminate any chance of toppling over. They act like a counterbalance to prevent the inside from hitting the road and outside MLEs to keep the EV from going off balance. Just in case the speed is too high and the toppling over action cannot be prevented (laws of physics remember), these MLEs force the vehicle to prop up.

Collisions are also a probability, so these MLEs help absorb a frontal impact. There’s a triangle-shaped structure called Programmed Restraint Device (PRD) just behind the cockpit that dissipates the energy of the collision and also keeps the rider from going over the handlebar. The crumble zones of the vehicle act as a cargo storage space which is as added benefit. In case of a rear impact, the wheels detach and the frame disintegrates to prevent the driver from being crushed if the vehicle flips over.

For now, founder Philippe Girardi plans to have the finished prototype ready for testing by the end of 2024. The vehicle will hit the roads in 2028 at a speculated price of $32,500.

 

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Callum Skye is a boxy crossover SUV coupe with impressive off-roading capabilities

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Ian Callum, the legendary designer of sports cars like Jaguar C-X75 and Aston Martin Vanquish is bringing his first ever vehicle under the brand name Callum to the world. The lightweight and stylish off-road electric vehicle prototype finally got revealed at the Concours on Saville Row, London and it doesn’t disappoint.

Unlike his earlier creations, the Callum Skye has a Baja off-road vehicle influence with a distinct form that’s bound to put the Tesla Cybertruck in a tough spot. This maiden electric vehicle will be powered by four independent motors on each axle for better control on tough terrains. The ultra-fast charging 42-kWh battery pack will feed the drivetrain that can manage a range of 170 miles on a single charge. The tough EV can be charged in just under ten minutes which is mind-boggling.

Designer: Callum Designs

According to David Fairbairn, managing director, Callum, “The CALLUM SKYE is bold, beautifully engineered and crafted with refinement and craftsmanship. The same can be said for the world-leading bespoke tailoring that exists on Savile Row. Compact, capable and extremely beautiful, we’re confident that this representation of the SKYE exterior will turn heads.” Measuring 4,047mm in length and 1,900mm in width, and weighing just 1,150kg, the performance-oriented off-roader is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in just under four seconds. The lightweight chassis and electric motors make the vehicle have 247bhp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

The fact that Skye has the ground clearance of a SUV and the form of a coupe with the semblance of a beach buggy, makes it stand out from the rest. On the inside, it is equally impressive with a 2+2 layout with sporty seats for the front passengers and a rear bench seat for smaller riders or to store essentials. There’s a three-spoke steering wheel, big infotainment touchscreen (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible) and a vertical arrangement of other small touchscreens on the central stack. The latter will house the tactile dials to control the HVAC and other key features.

Callum is taking orders for the Skye with prices ranging from anywhere between $101,000 to $127,000. To start off the production numbers will be limited and more variants will come in by the end of 2024. Some of them will be more focused on off-road capabilities while others are going to be more oriented towards normal city driving with tuned on-road dynamics. The deliveries for the sporty off-road EV will commence in summer 2026.

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Kia EV3: The Futuristic Subcompact Crossover Set to Electrify the EV Market

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Kia has unveiled the EV3, a subcompact crossover that brings a new level of sophistication and technology to the electric vehicle market. As the latest addition to Kia’s rapidly expanding EV lineup, the EV3 leverages the innovative features of the flagship EV9 SUV while introducing them to a more compact and accessible form. By combining a sleek, modern design with advanced technology and impressive range capabilities, the EV3 is poised to set new standards in the subcompact crossover segment and drive mass adoption of electric vehicles.

Designer: KIA

Exterior Design: A Bold and Progressive Statement

The EV3 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, blending the natural and the modern into a harmonious whole. This philosophy is evident in the EV3’s confident and assertive presence. The front end features vertical headlamps at the extremes, creating a wide and bold stance. The grille-less design and thin LED daytime running lights, known as Star Map, add to its futuristic appeal. This clean and uncluttered front end not only looks modern but also emphasizes the EV3’s electric nature.

Kia’s reinterpretation of the iconic Tiger Face design incorporates the latest Star Map signature lighting concept. The vertical Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) enhance the Tiger Face design, giving the EV3 a distinctive and recognizable look. These elements, combined with the black accents around the wheel arches and blacked-out pillars, contribute to the floating roof effect, enhancing the vehicle’s modern aesthetic.

From the side, the EV3 showcases a sleek roofline that slopes gently into a hatchback-style tailgate. This design, paired with muscular wheel arches and dynamic lines, gives the EV3 a sporty and agile look. The long, smooth roofline adds to the vehicle’s aerodynamics and provides a spacious interior. The overall profile conveys strength and elegance, making the EV3 a compelling choice in the subcompact crossover segment.

The EV3’s rear design continues this high-tech theme. Thick black trim lines emphasize the connection between the sturdy C-pillars and the dynamic roofline, adding to the vehicle’s robust appearance. The geometric rear lamps seamlessly integrate with the rear glass, creating a sleek and modern tailgate design. Inspired by the front’s Tiger Face Star Map lighting, the rear lights add a futuristic touch that ties the whole design together.

Interior Design: Comfort and Functionality

Step inside the EV3, and you’re greeted by an interior designed to maximize space and comfort. The cabin is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with a focus on creating a living room-like atmosphere. The elegant center console features a sliding table and storage area, perfect for drinks, snacks, and small backpacks. When parked, the table can hold personal electronics like laptops and tablets, turning the car into a mobile office or entertainment space.

Kia has emphasized comfort with multi-adjustable ambient lighting and ultra-comfortable seats in fold-back relaxation mode. These features and the spacious interior make the EV3 an ideal vehicle for long journeys or just relaxing while charging. The EV3 offers a 25-liter frunk and a 460-liter rear load capacity, the largest in its class. The adjustable two-tier luggage board provides over 140mm of load height flexibility, catering to various needs, from daily commutes to family camping trips.

A big feature of the interior is the nearly 30-inch widescreen display, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN display. This integrated screen provides clear and intuitive information to the driver while extending to the center of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features. Controls for drive modes, cruise control, and other functions are conveniently located on the steering wheel, ensuring ease of use.

Advanced Technology and Sustainability

The EV3 is packed with advanced technology that enhances both functionality and sustainability. The vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allows the battery to power external devices, such as laptops, coffee machines, and small fridges. The infotainment system includes streaming services, arcade games, and Kia’s AI Assistant technology, offering a comprehensive suite of entertainment and functionality. The introduction of the new i-Pedal 3.0 system for one-pedal driving with adjustable regenerative braking further enhances the driving experience, providing more control over energy recuperation.

Sustainability is a key focus for Kia, and the EV3 incorporates various sustainable materials throughout its interior. Recycled fabric is used in the dashboard and door trims, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most easily recycled plastics, features in areas such as the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board. This commitment to using recycled materials highlights Kia’s dedication to accelerating sustainability at scale.

The EV3 is powered by Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology, with the Standard model featuring a 58.3kWh battery and the Long Range variant equipped with an 81.4kWh battery. Both models utilize a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 170km/h. The Long Range model offers an impressive WLTP driving range of up to 600km, addressing common concerns about electric vehicle range.

Future Developments: The EV3 GT

Kia is also developing a high-performance version of the EV3, known as the EV3 GT. Announced by Kia CEO Ho Sung Song, this model is expected to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026 and will offer more power than the standard EV3. Song stated, “By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience.”

While details about the EV3 GT are limited, it will likely feature a dual-motor setup with a larger battery pack. This variant aims to provide a thrilling driving experience, further broadening the appeal of Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. It will deliver enhanced performance akin to the EV6 GT but tailored for the EV3’s smaller size.

The Kia EV3 will debut in South Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch later in the year. Although initially, there were uncertainties about its release in the US, Kia has now confirmed that the EV3 will be available in the American market, with an expected launch as early as 2025 or 2026. Pricing is speculated to be below $35,000, potentially closer to $30,000, making the EV3 an attractive option for customers seeking an affordable yet advanced electric vehicle. As the EV3’s release approaches, more details will emerge, solidifying its place in Kia’s electric vehicle strategy. Stay tuned for further updates on this promising new entry in Kia’s expanding lineup of innovative electric vehicles.

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This amphibious electric vehicle has the smarts for practical urban mobility needs

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Electric, Hydrogen and Hybrid vehicles are going to partly solve the environmental crisis, but the fact remains, the number of vehicles on the roads isn’t going to reduce. The battle for every inch of road space will intensify in the future, no matter how desperately the compact concept vehicles try to gain popularity.

The only viable solution then left are the flying cars which I’m now a great fan of due to their mostly impractical approach to things in real-life conditions when air space is going to get crowded. One probable solution for tropical regions in particular is an amphibious vehicle that’ll bypass traffic congestions on freeways for timely travel schedules.

Designer: Bernardo Pereira

The CROSSER V1 is designed keeping in mind the commuting needs of coastal cities. The primary idea of this kind of transportation is to have flexibility of transportation in such regions for speedy commuting. The fact that this is an electric vehicle reduces the amount of noise created, and also the levels of pollution. The fleet of CROSSER vehicles creates a customized service for inhabitants of urban cities to meet the 24×7 hour needs of every kind of user.

According to the designer, the rise in sea level will eventually lead most of the world’s population to migrate to these regions and look for viable means of earning livelihood. This will lead to an increase in road congestion and pressurize the already overburdened mobility systems. Thus, leading to the dire need for new mobility solutions when owning a private vehicle will no longer be of interest to the majority of Populus.

The future of mobility will be dominated by diverse needs that depend on the user’s travel intention, interaction and lifestyle. This leads to a transition that allows for interconnected mobility systems that are in line with sustainable practices and technologies. Bernardo initially created four different iterations for this concept and the final design is this amphibious transportation service that serves the users. The vehicle has an intelligent navigation system that takes the fastest route, either on land or water.

The CROSSER is developed to be an adaptable service that goes beyond passenger transportation and bears modular features for modifying the interiors depending on the needs of the user. By default, the vehicle comes with a four-seat configuration with a display to beam all the route information, weather and warnings. The vehicle boasting a panoramic view has seats with sensors and adjustable headrests.

When it’s time to tread on the waters, the CROSSER V1 employs the suspension system to raise the maximum height angle by 90 degrees. Everything is done autonomously aided by the LiDAR and Radar sensors, without the need to stop the vehicle. The in-built dual cameras with a 150-degree viewing angle further add to the feed of the user’s display. This whole system not only aids in water travel but also identifies obstacles on land.

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Genesis X Snow Speedium concept is a winter ready luxury electric coupe

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Chicago’s freezing winds have turned out to be a nemesis for electric vehicle owners and exposed a chink in the armor of Elon’s arsenal. Not that other EVs are a breeze to maintain in cold weather conditions, as seen by the problems faced by owners in the winter months. Call it the perfect timing or a bad one by Genesis Motor to unveil the new X Snow Speedium concept, the EV is specifically designed for frigid weather conditions.

According to the South Korean luxury division of Hyundai, the car is a “symphony of strength and elegance, no matter the temperature.” The electric concept is based on the X Speedium Coupe and it’s not a coincidence that Nissan also recently released their X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle specifically designed for mountain expeditions and responder missions. The latter though is a real-world version ready for action.

Designer: Genesis

Aptly, the Genesis’ ride comes in winter white edition, virtually camouflaging in the wintery landscape. Like the X-Trail, the Genesis comes with a unique ski rack for adventures, designed in association with Anavon Ski AG. If you look closely, the resemblance of the front-aligned line lamps to the Speedium Coupe is there. Also, the signature “V-shaped” brake lights are so “Genesis.” The only parity is the selection of the sleek white hue, compared to the emerald green on the original coupe.

In a very strong statement, the brand representatives said the concept is a representation of the future and Genesis’ transformation toward becoming “an all-electric car brand.” Talking of the interiors the concept will likely be draped in white as well which draws inspiration from the minimalist Korean architecture. The floating center console will encapsulate the driver’s cockpit for a futuristic feel. All of this while keeping things simple yet modern.

For the foreseeable future, the EV concept isn’t headed toward the production lines but the possibility could also not be ruled out as Genesis has emission-free plans for the coming years.

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This electric Pinnifarina hot rod boasts hubless wheels and aerodynamic design

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Pininfarina has been at the forefront of future automotive trends influencing the steady design evolution of brands Ferrari, Alpha Romeo, Maserati and Peugeot. Having its roots as a coachbuilder for prancing horses, the Italian marque has personified luxury and elegance with customization dating back to the 1930s.

The in-house developed electric hypercar Pinnifarina Batista (a tribute to the owner) is a testament to that fact. Now, yet another concept proposed for the brand caught our attention. It’s a compact urban microcar targeted for people who are tech-savvy, health conscious and prefer a minimal lifestyle.

Designer: Kanishq Palav

This two-seater electric vehicle riding on hubless wheels and a high ride height has a very compact footprint to navigate crowded city sections with ease. Unlike some similar previous designs, this concept pokes the realms of practicality. The riders are encapsulated within the cockpit-like compartment to have an aerodynamically optimized shape for minimum drag.

In more ways than not this Pininfarina concept seems like a modernized hot rod ready for any drag race challenges. Of course, the electric motor can provide the needed torque for short sprints but if think it’ll beat anyone on the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe track, you’ll be disappointed. Coming onto the swingarm suspension ensures easy turning and maneuverability at respectable speeds. The luxury compact mini car is made for short trips in the metropolis and the city limits.

That elevated rear section and the muted front section make it a treat to drive with a more than optimal view for the driver. This EV carries Pinnifarina’s signature design language in a clean hue that complements the aggressive yet classy stance, and it shows.

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Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility combines style and functionality for ultra-relaxed commutes in urban landscape

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The future of level 5 autonomous mobility is largely going to revolve around relaxation and the whole experience of getting from point A to B.  Inspired by the protective shell of turtles, the Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility concept emphasises efficiency and resilience in a smooth curvy design. The form factor in particular is a combination of style and functionality, creating a bridge between cutting-edge automotive technology and the organic beauty of nature.

The designer imagines this vehicle to dot the landscape of four-wheelers in the year 2050 where cars communicate with the traffic systems, other vehicles and urban environment to optimize routes and bump-up safety. A time when autonomy, connectivity and sustainability are the driving force of innovation. Richard states, “Vision iMobility isn’t just a means of reaching a destination; it’s a dynamic and adaptive space that caters to individual needs.”

Designer: Richard Huang

The nature-inspired details don’t end there as the headlights get the reminiscence of a dwarf arrowhead flower. The front-open design of the vehicle makes it easy for the occupant to enter the cozy relaxing interiors and the compact shape gives the iMobility flexibility in tight urban spaces. Running out of juice in this electric vehicle is out of the question as it can be charged wirelessly just by parking on the readily available charging junctions.

Since we are talking about complete autonomy, there’s no need for driving hardware like a steering wheel, brakes or accelerator. The interior space is rather a personalized oasis for laying back, gaming in VR or simply exploring different realities in metaverse worlds. The small size no a limitation as there is enough tactically designed space for sleeping in comfort. In fact the interior is flexible enough to be arranged for different scenarios. Mercedes Benz Vision iMobility truly becomes an extension of the personal space for self-expression and fulfillment of the rider.

Richard has mustered up the idea of this compact autonomous vehicle for east Asian workforce who have to deal with demanding work cultures, long working hours and intense competition. I believe this EV could be the perfect personal transportation for individuals living in any urban space.

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