September 13, 2011. The Green Piece Column.
Huge motoring events don’t occur quite as regularly as they used to since the industry’s slump during the global recession – so it’s no wonder then that this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens its doors to the Press today (September 13) and to the public on Thursday (September 15) has arguably been more eagerly anticipated than ever.
All of the big names will be on-hand at the event previewing some exciting new concept and production cars. Here we offer a rundown of the top 10 environmentally friendly vehicles due to debut at the event.
10: Toyota Prius family
The Toyota Prius is certainly nothing new to green car fans having been the most successful vehicle in the sector for well over a decade. However, now the Prius concept is being extended into a whole family of vehicles (see article).
Making their debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be a plug-in version of the Prius; as well as a seven-seat Prius, known as the Prius+. Each new model has been developed with the intention of extending the Prius’s consumer base with the plug-in version offering CO2 emissions as low as 49g/km; while the Prius+ also boasts sub-100g/km emissions.
9: Renault Frendzy
Renault may have already lined up four electric cars – the Fluence, Kangoo EV, Twizy and Zoe – but it appears it isn’t about to rest on its laurels after announcing the introduction of the Renault Frendzy at Frankfurt.
Similar in style to the production Kangoo, the Renault Frendzy is powered by an electric motor that develops 59bhp and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack. It boasts two sides – a “family” side, with suicide doors and side windows; and the “work” side with a 37” plasma screen where the rear window was. It is unlikely to ever become a model in its own right and instead hints at future design concepts for the Kangoo.
8: smart Forvision
Developed in collaboration with chemicals firm BASF, the Smart Forvision promises to be unlike any other Smart electric vehicle we have seen before by making the most of weight and temperature management as well as energy efficiency (see article).
According to Daimler, the use of an intelligent energy system, combined with lightweight construction, help the Forvision to improve its range by 20 per cent compared to a traditional electric vehicle. It uses plastic wheels with a carbon fibre body structure; and features solar cells, energy saving light-emitting diodes, infrared reflective films and high performance foams for insulation.
7: Audi EV Urban Concept
Unusual, quirky, bizarre – these are just a few of the adjectives being thrown about to describe the new Audi EV Urban Concept (see article). The urban car is a two-seat vehicle said to combine elements of a racing car, a fun car, an urban car and a roadster.
This lightweight and compact vehicle is powered by two e-tron motors and a lithium-ion battery and has been designed for extended city tours. Audi has also announced an open-air Spyder version of the electric concept with a continuous windscreen and doors that open vertically (see article).
6: Jaguar C-X16 Concept
Jaguar is not a name you see associated with green cars too often – but even the luxury carmaker is embracing more environmentally friendly technologies by unveiling a two-seat hybrid car known as the C-X16 Concept (see article).
The vehicle comes with a Formula 1 styled hybrid boost system and a steering wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration. It manages to race from 0-62mph in a mere 4.4seconds, reaches a top speed of 186mph, and all while producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km.
5: Volkswagen Nils Concept
Not to be out-done by fellow VW Group member Audi with its Urban Concept, Volkswagen is producing a single-seat electric concept of its own in the form of the NILS (see article).
The car will feature gull-wing doors, a lightweight aluminium frame and a range of up to 40miles on a single charge. It has a top speed of 80mph, and, according to Volkswagen, it “anticipates the future” with its goal being to research a technically concrete and economically feasible vehicle concept for micro-mobility.
4: Vauxhall/Opel electric concept
Inspired by the Ampera (known in the USA as the Chevrolet Volt) Vauxhall/Opel will reveal a new electric concept in Frankfurt that is set to target the younger generation looking for a low-cost car (see article).
Not too much is known about the vehicle at this stage (although we’re sure to have more details soon) but what we can confirm is that it will have an estimated range of 60miles and a top speed of 75mph. It will feature just two seats and be notably lightweight.
3: Audi A2 Electric Concept
Don’t be confused by the A2 name – the four-seat model will actually be smaller than the A1 (see article). However, despite its diminutive stature it is packed with technology.
The vehicle makes the most of LED technology including intelligent tail lights that adapt to the visibility conditions; and a rear fog light that can project a red triangle on to the road as a warning. If you’re wondering why we’re talking about the lights of the A2, it’s because Audi has yet to reveal any details about its powertrain – but we do know it will feature a dark glass roof that can be switched to transparency with the touch of a button. Cool!
2: Fisker Surf
The re-emergence of Fisker Automotive was the subject of last week’s Green Piece Column (see article) – and now the California-based electric sports car maker has another exciting concept to turn heads in the form of the Fisker Surf (see article).
The new car is a reinterpretation of the shooting break concept that will feature the range extended technology that has become a hallmark of the Fisker Karma. Not too many details are currently known about its performance credentials – but it is expected to match the range and speed of the Karma.
1: Ford Evos Concept A
four-door, four-seat fastback concept with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – that’s the basic facts about the Ford EVOS Concept (see article). However, the vehicle promises more beneath the surface.
One of the main purposes of the EVOS Concept is to embrace a new generation of driver interactivity and awareness. It includes a cloud optimised powertrain that knows when to save energy and switch modes basing its functions on the vehicle’s predicted travel route, weather conditions and emission zone restrictions.
Don’t forget to check our news section throughout the week for more details on all of the vehicles listed above and exciting new reveals.
Faye Sunderland.
