Here’s a transformer idea for city messenger services from design student Adam Schacter. This tiny EV would carry small cargo loads efficiently in its upright mode. In that configuration, the vehicle would be able to fit three to a parking space. But for days when you had a larger load, you’d simply flip down the back and pull it out wider to become a little pickup truck. Even flipped down into a truck, it would fit two to a parking space.
The designer notes at his blog that he could have chosen a better placement on the below photo-shopped background; but that no actual disabled parking spaces were used in real life [ed. note: why not just photoshop out the disabled sign while you're at it?].
The idea is intriguing and represents something potentially very useful. Certainly it’s worth thinking about how an adaptable and tiny cargo vehicle would work. It beats the bike messenger delivery model on two fronts. It keeps out the rain, and it protects the messenger better than a bike from accidents
But it is rather rickety-looking, though. What do you think?
Images: Yanko Design
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It doesn’t look that bad to me, except for the smart-car styling cues, and the wheels look strange. As for strength, have you seen the video of the smart car crash test? It fared extremely well in my opinion. Its design is basically a roll cage with wheels. As i mentioned though, the cartoon-like styling reminds me of something from Japan, just needs a hello kitty sticker on the side. North American consumers like mean, strong looking vehicles, like say the new Camaro. This is more the case when buying a truck. I must say that smart car/random 2-tone look does not convey strength and power. It looks too plastic. nice concept tho.
It doesn’t look that bad to me, except for the smart-car styling cues, and the wheels look strange. As for strength, have you seen the video of the smart car crash test? It fared extremely well in my opinion. Its design is basically a roll cage with wheels. As i mentioned though, the cartoon-like styling reminds me of something from Japan, just needs a hello kitty sticker on the side. North American consumers like mean, strong looking vehicles, like say the new Camaro. This is more the case when buying a truck. I must say that smart car/random 2-tone look does not convey strength and power. It looks too plastic. nice concept tho.
Here is the link for the smart car crash test @ 70 mph.
Here is the link for the smart car crash test @ 70 mph.
That’s not a proper crash test. It’s just some morons driving an empty car into a concrete block. There’s no dummies or instrumentation.
Here’s the proper thing from Euro NCAP http://www.euroncap.com/tests/smart_fortwo_2007/303.aspx
Crash protection isn’t simply about a roll cage. It’s things like the energy absorbing crumple zone; avoiding intrusions into the passenger compartment; restraining the passengers safely; and fuel, or in an EV, battery and HV protection.
That’s not a proper crash test. It’s just some morons driving an empty car into a concrete block. There’s no dummies or instrumentation.
Here’s the proper thing from Euro NCAP http://www.euroncap.com/tests/smart_fortwo_2007/303.aspx
Crash protection isn’t simply about a roll cage. It’s things like the energy absorbing crumple zone; avoiding intrusions into the passenger compartment; restraining the passengers safely; and fuel, or in an EV, battery and HV protection.
I think you mean the GEM styling cues, Dustin? The Smart is a very solid little chunk of a car, as cute as a baby’s sneaker in real life, and as John points out, has passed real-life crash tests with flying colors.
To me this looks a bit more like GEM’s neighborhood vehicle.
I think you mean the GEM styling cues, Dustin? The Smart is a very solid little chunk of a car, as cute as a baby’s sneaker in real life, and as John points out, has passed real-life crash tests with flying colors.
To me this looks a bit more like GEM’s neighborhood vehicle.
Very nice combination with precise functionality and high stability is achieved in this futuristic model! BRAVO! …
Very nice combination with precise functionality and high stability is achieved in this futuristic model! BRAVO! …
Yes your quite right, the truck does resemble a GEM. Maybe my first comment sounded to negative. I think it would be very useful in cities, especially ones with limited parking, narrow, and crowded roads. As most city driving is stop and go, it would be more efficient than a cube van, or a full-size pick-up.
The styling however, reminds me of all those far-out designed concept vehicles that are never produced. I’m sure we have all seen more of those than we would like to remember.My pint being, it can be difficult to sway people from a traditional looking vehicle.
Yes your quite right, the truck does resemble a GEM. Maybe my first comment sounded to negative. I think it would be very useful in cities, especially ones with limited parking, narrow, and crowded roads. As most city driving is stop and go, it would be more efficient than a cube van, or a full-size pick-up.
The styling however, reminds me of all those far-out designed concept vehicles that are never produced. I’m sure we have all seen more of those than we would like to remember.My pint being, it can be difficult to sway people from a traditional looking vehicle.
The Smart roadster coupe is very sporty looking. It makes the change to fuel efficient vehicles easier for the performance minded. Like the Tesla roadster, it has to create excitement!
The Smart roadster coupe is very sporty looking. It makes the change to fuel efficient vehicles easier for the performance minded. Like the Tesla roadster, it has to create excitement!
What it looks like doesn’t count! Fact is Saudis play games with reserve numbers to hide the truth even from themselves! The “Cheap Oil Era” is over! America has no oil of its own to speak of, save for that reserved for the Military! and fewer good drilling targets! Besides, Asians compete now, with strong Yuan, for our share of very finite supply of world’s resources, against our weakened dollar which can no longer command the 80% we need for our sustainability! America does have Solar, Wind, Wave, Tidal, Hydro, and geothermal resources and some Nuclear resources too! – all can be exploited in electrical form – none provide a liquid fuel! Electric not a choice, a necessity for Yankee Doodle!The great age of high horsepower multi-pistoned engines roaring to life in American streets as dead as piles of horse-manure on street-corners, and the days of electric trams,trains, subways, returning by reason of extreme oil prices about to show on world markets! BYD, the Chinese Hybrid plug-in car maker to sell in States before GM(America) gets volt off of design boards! GM(America) to die, Then America will build Electric bullet trains on an intercity rail network or walk! Cheap short haul cars will rule the day in America very soon!
What it looks like doesn’t count! Fact is Saudis play games with reserve numbers to hide the truth even from themselves! The “Cheap Oil Era” is over! America has no oil of its own to speak of, save for that reserved for the Military! and fewer good drilling targets! Besides, Asians compete now, with strong Yuan, for our share of very finite supply of world’s resources, against our weakened dollar which can no longer command the 80% we need for our sustainability! America does have Solar, Wind, Wave, Tidal, Hydro, and geothermal resources and some Nuclear resources too! – all can be exploited in electrical form – none provide a liquid fuel! Electric not a choice, a necessity for Yankee Doodle!The great age of high horsepower multi-pistoned engines roaring to life in American streets as dead as piles of horse-manure on street-corners, and the days of electric trams,trains, subways, returning by reason of extreme oil prices about to show on world markets! BYD, the Chinese Hybrid plug-in car maker to sell in States before GM(America) gets volt off of design boards! GM(America) to die, Then America will build Electric bullet trains on an intercity rail network or walk! Cheap short haul cars will rule the day in America very soon!