Quite obviously quietness and “green” are two objectives that seem to be driving the auto scene at the moment. We often see electric vehicles and concepts powered by renewable energy being displayed at various auto shows. Moreover, the rise in the cost of fuel has made auto makers think about possibilities that are fuel efficient as well. When reducing fuel or energy consumption is the need, the best possible solution is to let go of one wheel and make the vehicle run on three wheels. This approach helps aid in better mileage and doesn’t make the user sacrifice on performance and safety. Here are some of the coolest vehicles that run on three wheels for better streets of tomorrow:
• Peugeot +:
The Peugeot+ is supposed to be a fusion of a scooter and car. Designed to run on a smaller electric motor, it aims to leave less or rather no carbon prints behind. From what I can gather from the images, it is a two-seater just like a scooter but with two front wheels for extra stability.
• eVARO:
Designed by Future Vehicles Technology, the eVARO hybrid three-wheeled car is designed to compete in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize that is to be held in May 2010. The vehicle can reach 60mph in just five seconds and according to the developers, it has the potential to go 275 miles on a single gallon of fuel. With an all-electric range of 90 miles, the eVARO produces no emissions for 90% of its time on the road and can radically change the automotive industry of today.
• VentureOne:
Designed by Los Angeles-based automobile company Venture Vehicles, this vroom-ing Y shaped 3-wheeler will come in two versions, one a basic HEV, and a high-performance PHEV which will have a wide range of accessories. With a fuel economy of 100 mpg and a top speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h), this vehicle is unquestionably groundbreaking!
• XR3:
The XR3 is a DIY vehicle. This beauty will give you 225 miles per gallon. With the firm offering $200 worth of construction plans, the whole activity could be a little challenging yet a lot of fun.
• Datinol:
The Datinol is a three-wheeled vehicle that is intended to exceed 1000km on just a liter of ethanol. The Datinol has slight bodywork and aerodynamic fiberglass, as well as a new integrated electronic engine that controls the ignition and fuel injection.
• The Moby:
The Moby by WooJin Chung is one such trike that can take you to the future on zero-emission electric engines. The concept vehicle can displace its rear and alter it in different fashion to suit the traffic and to add additional components like an additional high capacity battery or an additional seat, which gives it both practicality and performance. The trike occupies about half the space as a conventional four-wheeler.
• Xe Điện:
Designed by Minh Duong, the Xe Điện is a three-wheeled electric car that has a range of 20 miles, however, with a few tweaks it can hit a top speed of 40mph. The car is powered by a 7.1KWh battery pack that propels its rear wheel. With two wheels in the front under a fiberglass fairing, and a single motorcycle-style driving rear wheel, the car is just right for daily trips to the supermarket.
• 125mpg homebuilt Trike:
Developed by a Ford fuel efficiency technician, this vehicle is based on a Kawasaki Ninja that gets a top speed of 65mph and a staggering efficiency of 125mpg. Powered by the 250cc liquid cooled, four-stroke engine, the 505 pound machine comes with added features to reduce fuel consumption even when running at a decent speed of 65mph.
• Solar-Powered ATV:
Designed by Gadi Dudler, this solar-powered trike has all the essentials needed to work in the harshest of terrains. The vehicle design is inspired by nature and carries solar panels on the top of the cabin and the spoiler that generate the necessary power to run an electric engine mounted on the front wheel. The rear wheels are mostly used for turning, but they too are equipped with an electric engine that provides the necessary power the vehicle needs on harsh terrains.
• TransforMiss:
Designed by Thierry Dumaine, the TransforMiss concept is inspired by “a woman” who according to the designer is never the same. The car seats two passengers and can be driven from either seat by simply changing the position of the steering wheel. The transforming car can be driven with two, three or four wheels, depending on the street traffic and user preference. Powered by an electric motor in each rim, the car does its bit for the environment as well.
• E. Rex:
Designed by Silicon Valley startup OptaMotive, the E. Rex has a top speed of 144mph and offers a range of about 100 miles. With an ability to go 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds, the vehicle sports a water-cooled permanent magnet that produces 45KW continuous and 125KW peak power. The battery pack that fuels the vehicle consists of 96 lithium-iron phosphate cells that have a claimed recharge time of 2.5 hours at 220V and 20amps.
• Bio Top:
The Bio Top by Luis Pinheiro de Lima is a futuristic electric car featuring three wheels, one of which generates electricity as well. The Bio Top car, as the design has been christened, utilizes wireless electricity technology to transfer electricity, which is generated by the car’s rear spherical wheel, to recharge the vehicle’s on-board battery as it moves.
• Brontes:
The Brontes by Marco Aurelio Galán Henríquez aims to curb pollution with an electric drive. The concept vehicle can seat two individuals and runs on a lithium-ion battery pack which fuels the electric motors present in the car’s wheels. The car’s expected top speed and range is set to show some decent figures, as the car runs on three wheels.
• 3GEO:
The 3GEO carries a battery pack which works simultaneously with a conventional natural gas or biodiesel engine. To achieve maximum fuel efficiency, the car has been made from lightweight but sturdy materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass. The simple and aerodynamic body ensures further fuel savings while making sure that the manufacturing process of the car doesn’t prove to be a burden for the company.
• Peugeot RD:
Designed for a future metropolis, the Peugeot RD Concept will have a single seat and will run on three wheels. This concept car combines the sensations of a three-wheeled scooter with the driving pleasure of a saloon car, while retaining all the essential functions of both modes of transport.
• Sampdesign Neo:
The brainchild of Brazilian designer Maurício Sampaio, the “Sampdesign Neo” is an electric vehicle for urban use that offers a safe and sustainable ride on cramped city roads. Powered by three engines embedded in each wheel, the three-wheeler features an exterior surround by LED lighting, which makes it extremely safe during night rides. The zero-emission vehicle comes equipped with buffers that generate energy, smart rubber that totally isolates the cabin from the outer world and an air conditioner, which allows occupants to choose the internal temperature.
• GM Car Hero:
Designed by General Motors, the Car Hero Concept aims to attract generation Z brought up with gaming consoles, cellphones and other mobile gadgetry by their side. The Car Hero features easy controls; all the rider need to do is enter the destination into the navi app on his/her smartphone and let the vehicle do the rest. As soon the as the rider get dexterous, the vehicles unlocks the control so he/she could take the charge of the autonomous system.
• Peugeot Q:
The Peugeot Q by Jaun Trillo is a three-wheeled vehicle providing space for two passengers. With a free spherical rear wheel, the car can literally spin 360 degrees, which ease parking and driving in congested city lanes. The two wheels on the front are incorporated with a lithium-ion engine, which gives the car the ability to change direction based on the transmitted velocity.
• SNAP:
The SNAP by designer Vít Bechynský is able to connect to the main SNAP train, one next to the other, offering private mass transit with ease. In the single-mode, this three-wheeled vehicle can be driven like a motorbike.
• SV1:
The SV1 actually looks like something out of the comic books (easy to understand since it is but a concept) with its shiny body and three wheels. The vehicle is meant to seat two and is driven by a sole rear vehicle, while steering is delegated to the two front wheels.
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