The demand to protect the environment from the harmful gases, which come out from the tailpipes of the diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles is at its peak these days and it has prompted many companies and innovative automotive designers to come up with zero emission vehicles. These eco friendly vehicles are powered using alternative sources of energy like sun and wind and are completely emission free. These days many zero emission vehicles are available in market and in 2011 we saw the launch of many such concept vehicles. Here is a list of five best concept zero emission vehicles of 2011:
1. Chevrolet Miray Concept
Designed by the South Korean design team of Chevrolet, the Mi-ray Concept was unveiled during the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. While unveiling the car, GM said that his concept vehicle is “small and open” like the 1963 Monza SS, but high performing like the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. This lightweight car has got a sleek and stylish look. It is powered by 15-kilowatt electric motors fitted in the front portion. This motor derives energy from a 1.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Chevrolet has used regenerative braking technology in this car, which partially charges the battery. The Mi-ray also boasts of a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine is fitted behind in the rear end of the car. The initial acceleration is provided by electric motor and the internal combustion engine comes into action when this car cruises at high speed. Carbon fiber components are used extensively to make its body.
2. BMW Motottad Concept E
This all-electric emissions-free scooter is designed by German automaker BMW and the company claims that the performance of Motottad Concept E is better than several 400-500cc commuter motorcycles available in market. The range of this 60-volt concept is around 60 miles. The battery takes three hours to get charged when plugged in to a standard 110 volt power source. BMW has used a telescopic front suspension in this scooter, while the single-sided Swingarm is found in its rear end. Featuring a unique aerodynamic styling, the name of the concept is emblazoned on its neon green panels. This concept lacks rear-view mirrors, but sports two rear-facing video cameras. The images captured by these cameras are projected to two LCD monitors fitted in this conceptâs cockpit. These LCD monitors display information related to traffic, battery charge and range. This two-passenger scooter is a zero emission vehicle.
3. Kia Naimo electric crossover vehicle
Manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia Motors, the Naimo electric crossover vehicle was unveiled during the Seoul Motor Show in March 2011. The overall length of this eco friendly concept car is 3.9 meters. This five-door vehicle has got a sleek and stylish look and it is spacious enough to accommodate four passengers comfortably. The design is unique featuring asymmetric sunroof. This car lacks traditional wiper blade but sports a high-intensity air jet, which serves the function of wiper. The air jet is located at the base of the windscreen. Kia has replaced the rear view mirrors with small cameras, which are positioned in the A-pillars. This car is powered by an electric motor with an output of 80 kW. This motor delivers a torque of 280 Nm. This concept car can hit a maximum speed of 150 km/h. The electric motor used in the vehicle is powered by a 27 kWh battery with a range of 200 km per charge.
4. Chevrolet EN-V Concept
Manufactured by General Motor, the EN-V Concept is a two-seater vehicle with a highly futuristic and unique design. This car was launched at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. It offers hand-free controls as it is controlled by a GPS-enabled core which drives it autonomously. The sensors used in this eco friendly concept vehicle allow it to navigate through the streets. The range of the battery is 40km and it can be charged using normal household power source. This car is still a concept but it is expected that General Motors would soon test it.
5. 2011 Yamaha EC 03
Manufactured by Yamaha, the 2011 Yamaha EC 03 is a zero emission futuristic bike unveiled at the Intermot Motorcycle Show. The bike with a sleek and stylish look is easy to handle and perfect to be used on busy city roads. It features two operation modes – standard and special. The battery is charged fully in around 7 hours using power source. Yamaha has used its new Yamaha Integrated Power Unit to give a sleek look to this bike.
