Toyota Unveil Hybrid Pedal-Electric Concept ‘Car’
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 11.28.06
OK, we admit up front to being a tad cynical, but let's soldier on regardless. Nine car makers took on the Design Challenge set by The Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, to imagine “a time when all vehicles have technology allowing the public to enjoy the distinctive Southern California lifestyle and unique environment without harming it.” We’ve already taken a look at the Mercedes’ Recy roadster, but wait there was more. More slick airbrushed renderings, yes. More, genuine creative responses to problems on our planet? Mmmm, not convinced. For instance, the Kia Sandstorm, a biodiesel, plug-in electrical hybrid, has panels of PET and lift out recycling bins, but can you really call a dune buggy “environmentally friendly”? At least the Toyota's RLV (Renewable Lifestyle Vehicle), seen above, thinks outside the box. A hybrid, 'split' powertrain solution of pedal power for stuck in traffic speeds and an electric mode for faster travel. Bioplastic, bamboo and aluminium create the panelling and cockpit. After the fold you’ll see pics of the new Hummer, which uses panels made from algae to produce oxygen to offset its carbon dioxide emissions! (It’s wheels, at least, seem to take inspiration from the Tweel.) Judges award the best rendering come 30 Nov 06. ::LA Auto Show, via Sydney Morning Herald.
The Green Hummer (a.k.a. the Oxymoron)
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Toyota: It's Lonely At The Top, Gets Credit Rating Lowered
- 2008 Green Car Of The Year: Jetta TDI
- 1,280 Megawatt Solar Power Plan Unveiled by Los Angeles Mayor
- Organic Foods Roach Coach Feeds Los Angeles
very nice website with usefull resources, i love it.
recommended to always visiting.
best regard,
Interesting idea, but even with a fanatical attention to reducing weight, a two passenger vehicle with an electric drivetrain is probably going to weigh over 500 pounds. Even Lance would have trouble pulling this thing up an incline.
The Toyota concept reminds me of the Twike, which is already available (although pricey). It's been in production for some time and can go up to 53mph with 2 people pedaling and the electric motor assist on:
http://twike.com
Remove the pedals and add some more batteries and then you might have something
Yes! It's about time a major car maker decided to make a car for the people and not for their own egos. This is the kind of sensible thinking that the world needs more of. Then maybe we can survive our pollution killing gas burners called internal combustion engines.
Hey yeah how about many onboard, self energy generating systems that maybe utilize th full body, (hand pumps, foot press, neck rolls, or just a suit you wear that zap off pounds while using the etheric biofuel the car and one co-create to thrust forward and wutnot.? + a handy in-seat human methane collector. All these can add 'stored' energy to the ride rather than power during usage,. aye?
Fold out solar panels capture sunergy while providing shade? And kids remember:,: we must protect and serve each other, the creator and creation by increasing our adaptive intelligence through constant consciously evolving technique in all ways; shared between us as we go. One of these (in many parts of course) is the harnessing of the sun's energy into intentional channeled utilization to prevent damage and ultimate collapse from it's unbridled wasteful penetrating 'raw' form of delivery here.,. does this sound reasonable? LUV E
Cool drawing, nice...to bad I've already built it---the machine in 1997 (human powered, all terrain, and amphybious) 216 gear possobilties per person, sitting side by side,48" x 78" wheel base. The hybrid add on in 2005 after going to China. A 4.5 hp Subaru engine...120-150 mpg depends on how much you put back? top speed 30 mph. not as pretty as your drawings but we've put 4000 miles on our's how about yours?
Ken Beidleman (Beetle JYW)