smart is to unveil a new and –er smart-electric car concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be unlike any other we’ve yet seen. Called the smart forvision, the car has been developed in collaboration with chemicals firm BASF and uses unique materials to make advances energy efficiency, weight and temperature management.
Unique new materials include the use of completely plastic wheels to minimise weight, solar cells, energy-saving light-emitting diodes, infrared-reflective films and coatings as well as high-performance foams for insulation against cold and heat.
Using smart’s automotive expertise and BASF’s material and system competence, the new concept features many ground-breaking materials which have so far only ever been seen in the laboratory and other others which are only now ready for production. Hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are not only an eye-catching feature – they form part of the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy.
The transparent solar cells cover the entire roof surface of the vehicle. The cells use organic dyes which are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components in the car and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool.
"Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this", says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. "We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.”
Using plastic wheels and carbon fibre body structure, BASF and smart have been able to save 50 per cent weight compared with steel, or 30 per cent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.
While smart has yet to reveal the performance stats of the vehicle, the Daimler-owned brand says that the intelligent energy systems and lightweight construction have enable the car to improve its range by 20 per cent compared to a traditional EV.
The smart forvision will debut in Frankfurt on September 13, 2011. Stay tuned, we’ll bring you the full details from the show, when smart unveils the car.
