While electric vehicles do seem to be the obvious choice for a green future, most EVs on the roads today suffer from the same drawback of reduced driving range. In an effort to better the credentials of electric cars we’ve seen designers come up with different solutions that range from swappable batteries to the addition of solar panels. Designer Pei-Cheng Hsieh of the Monash University believes that the addition of solar panels can not only better the range of electric cars, but also make them better for the environment. The designer has come up with a concept electric vehicle dubbed Aerius that displays the use of this technology.
Designed for the year 2025, the Aerius concept combines the performance of race cars with emerging sustainable energy generating technologies. The vehicle features Michelin Active in-wheel electric motors at the rear and on-board electric motors that drive the front set of wheels. Using in-wheel motors in the rear reduces the weight of the car allowed the designer to eliminate suspension components, while the use of on-board motors on the front provides agile handling.
The top of the vehicle features solar panels that recharge onboard carbon nanotube super-capacitors to increase the range of the vehicle. The form of the vehicle is influenced by Formula 1 race cars and efficient aerodynamics makes the vehicle consume less energy. The designer has chosen aluminum and composite materials to make the body of the vehicle, which can further reduce its weight.
Via: Michelin Challenge Design
