Awarded with the Pilkington Vehicle Design Award 2010, the Symbiosis – Energy Efficient Alliance is an innovative concept vehicle that tends to connect architecture and transportation in a sustainable design. The self-sufficient vehicle, conceived by London-based automotive and industrial designer David Seesing, uses double-glazing, which acts as a conduit to allow airflow to generate and store energy in the vehicle. Four electric motors are there to power and control brakes, suspension, steering and built-in wheels.
The concept vehicle consists of three main parts: the internal capsule, the frame and shell. A transparent dome and a battery create the internal capsule. Front and rear air ducts form its frame. The aluminum frame, filled with carbon nanotubes, acts as a heat sink for the batteries. Certain printed piezoelectric crystals, which are positioned on the surface of the frame, serve as generators. The shell contains numerous photovoltaic cells that collect solar energy.
Via: CarDesign