Some of the preliminary information about the upcoming electric-drive crossover from Velozzi, known as the SOLO, has reached us here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
The vehicle will be an extended range electric car equipped with both supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. It will also feature a multi-fuel micro-turbine for the range-extending genset.
There are a number of potentially stand-out features on the car. For example, it will have the ability to reverse its polarity and serve as a power generator that can power equipment or even a home. Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy when slowing the vehicle to boost its range, and, according to the manufacturer, the SOLO can reach 100mpg, has a top speed of 130mph and can race from 0-60mph in a mere six seconds.
Its fuel efficiency has been boosted by the use of lightweight materials after Velozzi announced a partnership with Nanoledge to develop lightweight and high performance carbon fibre body panels. Carbon nanotubes are also used to increase the mechanical properties of the components by as much as 40 per cent, while improving the parts’ performance and reducing weight.
According to Velozzi, 17 global OEM suppliers have engaged in building the SOLO and the Velozzi super car with both vehicles entered into the Progressive Automotive X Prize Competition.
The super car is also a micro-turbine based extended range vehicle but uses a 574kW AC induction motor to reach a top speed of more than 200mph and race from 0-60mph in just three seconds.
