Usually the staple stomping ground of the major manufacturers, Paris Motor Show is now also attracting a whole host of niche manufacturers and their smaller, electric vehicles. A change in consumer attitude and buying behaviour is encouraging of small manufacturers to showcase their cheaper alternatives.
For example, contract car manufacturer, Pininfarina has its B0 (B-zero) electric car (pictured, left). Pininfarina has manufactured some of the most desirable top-end vehicles for Ferrari, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo and Maserati but has decided to launch its own little electric vehicle using the Pininfarina name. Built in partnership with battery maker Bollore, it could be on sale in the UK by 2010. Although still a concept at the moment, Paolo Pininfarina, told the BBC;
“It’s 90 per cent similar to how it will be built”.
A four seater, four door hatchback , it has an automatic gear box and solar panels on the roof to help recharge the batteries. Rechargeable in a matter of hours from standard main socket, Pininfarina claim it will have a range of 153 miles on full charge and a top speed of 80mph.
This trend towards electric cars continues with the China Automobile introducing its adorable little bubble electric car, the Chika (pictured, left). Although still only a prototype, some original styling gives it visual appeal. Hopefully this will be backed up by some real performance and substance, as it nears the production line.
