14 DAY TRIAL // 80 engineering groups are joining forces to develop and implement a new electric lightweight car, called StreetScooter, a “pocket-size” vehicle which is considered to be fuel-efficient, green and affordable.
According to a recent poll, more than half of the questioned American individuals think about an electric car for their next purchase, taking into account that they would pay less for gas.
Also, they declared themselves in favor of a car which can be a bit more expensive, as long as it is fuel-efficient.
Despite this fact, the industry of electric cars is challenged by prohibitive costs, since hybrids come along with a significant price tag.
The StreetScooter won't leave its owner poor and dry, according to its manufacturers who say the eco-friendly prototype will cost only $7,000 (5 190.95 euros). They are still working on it, but officials from the company revealed it would be sold on a large commercial scale in Europe by 2013. The StreetScooter was first showcased at the Frankfurt motor show, when it managed to impress the audience with its incredible features. First, it is powered only by a rechargeable battery.
Second, its technological improvements are hard to imagine, while compared with its predecessors. Its heating/cooling system can provide a high level of comfort to the passengers while relying only on 20% of the battery's overall capacity.
The smart prototype's HVAC technology is supposed to cure the “range anxiety” experienced by the drivers of electric cars, in the near future. At this point in time, numbers are pretty encouraging when it comes to costs and number of miles per hour. StreetScooter has the ability to reach a top speed of 74 miles per hour, but it is not exactly the most reliable option when you're far away from your destination.
Currently, its range is limited to only 50 miles per charge, a fact responsible for considerably lowering the segment of potential buyers. There is still enough time for improvements in this area and if manufacturers can't reach better numbers, the electric car will still represent a viable option for short eco-trips around town.