Smart Forvision Concept unveiled ahead of 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
By Andrew, 01 Sep, 2011. 0 Comments
Smart Forvision Concept
Daimler AG (owner of Smart) and chemicals company BASF will launch the Smart Forvision EV minicar concept at the Frankfurt car show, displaying innovations that save energy and reduce weight. Among the latest innovations in this concept vehicle are the solar cells derived from organic chemical dyes found on the roof of the car. The cells are combined with the organic light-emitting diodes, which are the light sources of the vehicle.
Smart boss Annette Winkler commented that Smart is also creating new standards of lightweight design by utilizing the first all-plastic wheels, which are made of Ultramid. According to Daimler, Ultramid is as stable as metal and could cut weight by at most 30 percent. Instead of metal, the chassis of this Smart concept is made from the fiber-reinforced plastic. Reducing the vehicle’s weight is a major factor to consider for electric cars due to their heavy battery packs. Moreover, in order to curb energy loss through air conditioning and heating, the vehicle utilizes a polymer film and high-performance insulating materials in the windows in order to reflect thermal radiation as well as achieve a constant temperature in the interiors.
"With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler's think tank for urban mobility. We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels", says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart.
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