Combining the latest in lightweight materials, semi-finished products and advanced joining concepts, global engineering services provider EDAG presented its Light Car at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Having originally introduced the vehicle as an independent design concept last year, EDAG presented the car in a space frame structure for the first time at the show. The aim was to develop a scalable platform that would not exceed an overall weight of 1,200kg. 

The EDAG Light Car debuting at the Geneva Motor Show.

So what makes the Light Car tick?

The vehicle features a drive system with two Protean Electric wheel hub motors mounted in a double wishbone rear axle. They each weigh 30kg and provide flexible design options as they take up less space than a conventional engine and drivetrain. They are powered by 180 Gaia battery cells with lithium iron phosphate technology that offers advanced safety properties compared to lithium-ion batteries. Also included is an active rear axle steering that enables the yaw rate amplification factor to be adjusted to achieve greater agility at lower speeds while improving stability.

As for the space frame, it is a combination of steel, aluminium and fibre composites and guarantees not only adequate energy absorption but also maximum stability at the lowest possible weight. It includes high strength, thin-wall aluminium structural cast parts, produced by Honsel, and lightweight plastic outer skin panels. According to project manager Dr Lars Rohrig, the space frame concept pays attention to short and medium term feasibility and the launch of the new type of electric vehicles will involve the introduction of small quantities – for this reason, the concept has been designed for low volume production.

Meanwhile, the open source idea is inspired by the computer and software industry and allows the company to achieve the integration of various technologies in a fully functioning vehicle.