We know cities are working with transit agencies to transition their fleets to all-electric buses. People line up at dealerships and click online to buy electric cars. But we hear far less in the media about weirder, outlandish, but fun electric vehicles. Moving from R&D to prototypes and commercialization, there are a lot of really cool – and sometimes weird – innovative electric vehicles hitting the scene.
Let’s check out a few.
Ultra efficiency for fun and work: With the aim of moving from oversized, overpriced and polluting vehicles to right-sized and ultra-efficient electric vehicles that almost everyone can afford, Arcimoto offers small electric vehicles designed for one or two people to maximize efficiency. They seek to create the safest motorcycle class vehicle on the road and offer the UVF (fun utility vehicle), the Liberator, quick responder, the Roadsterthe Flatand the Mean lean machine.
Air utility and urban air mobility: Interested in seeing the world from above? the Aero-X is a concept over 90 mph craft. Safety and reliability are important, which is why its enclosed fans, intuitive piloting interface and redundant systems protect people on the ground from the dangers of exposed rotors. Aerofex ducted fan technology manipulates airflow to increase and control thrust. The company has developed stable and stiff carbon fiber ducts, as well as lightweight, tilting fans, solving the weight and drag issues typically associated with fairings. Aero-X ducts are over 6 feet in diameter and weigh less than 7 pounds.
Ride a unicycle for your local races: With a 1500 watt motor and rechargeable battery, the Solo wheel is a small, green and practical “People Mover”. The gyro-stabilized electric unicycle is compact, easy to learn, lightweight and portable. It has an integrated handle and foldable pedals, which makes it easy to transport and store. With a top speed of 10 mph and a range of up to 10 miles, the Solowheel is a good alternative for errands and short trips.
Other one-wheel electric vehicle: Capable of operating at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, like a casual stroll, the Ryno is less than a motorcycle – in some ways. Fitted with a full-size motorcycle tire and built in the USA, it has a technical appearance and two high-output SLA batteries that deliver up to 15 miles of travel. (A lithium-ion option is available.)
3 wheel scooter: With its elegant design, refined chassis, solid maneuverability and sufficient charge, the 100% electric Piping 1 has two versions of his MP3 Yourban — the 125 cc and the 300 cc, known as LT. It has a range of 34 miles in ECO mode, a speed of up to 28 mph, a removable 1.4 kWh battery and a whole load of clever details and functions. The combination of lightweight construction, an advanced lithium-ion battery and the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) function that recharges during deceleration means the Piaggio 1 offers a solid range. It also seems to suit female cyclists, due to its sleek styling. Classified as a motor tricycle, a motorcycle license is not necessary to drive it.
3 wheels and lowered: the Alpha Rider the carbon has electric belt-driven transmission technology paired with a “state-of-the-art” planetary gearbox for improved performance, durability and capability. It offers a top speed of 45 mph where permitted for Series 4 drive systems. You can even choose your battery – from 1512 watt-hours (20-60 mile range) to 6048 watt-hours (80-60 mile range). 240 miles).
Self-driving electric taxis in Israel: Not to be outdone by other countries in the world, Israel is adding 400 autonomous electric taxis to the existing 640 startups already working in the autonomous transport segment. Authorized by an Act of the Ministry of Transport, taxis are part of the national goals of zero road accidents and reducing emissions and congestion. Among the companies developing self-driving car technology is Jerusalem-based Intel Corp’s Mobileye unit.
Case study: how an electric rickshaw changed a life
Monika Devi, 35, is one of the first women to drive one of the first electric rickshaws on the streets of Delhi. As she navigates the 3-wheeler amid the whirlwind of urban congestion, she’s part of the city’s efforts to reduce pollution in the world’s most polluted capital.
The air crisis in Delhi is extreme because of what Brookings Institute described as a combination of smoke from thermal power plants and brick kilns in the capital region, effluent from a congested transportation network, the burning of thatch or biomass by farmers in neighboring states, and the absence purifying winds that cause air pollution over the city.
Devi’s e-rickshaw was subsidized by the Delhi state government, which launched a fleet of 3,500 e-rickshaws. Unlike her male counterparts, who drive the standard yellow and green electric rickshaws, hers is painted a thick lilac and is strictly for female passengers.
“This city is not safe for women and until now they had no choice but to travel in a rickshaw driven by a man, which can be scary at night,” said she told the channel. Guardian. “Plus, I hate pollution and am happy to do my part by driving an electric rickshaw, which doesn’t give off toxic fumes.” (The Guardian described Devi’s e-rickshaw as “a flimsy 3-wheeled contraption with no seat belts or guards and exposed to fumes from other vehicles”.)
The Delhi government is promoting electric rickshaws to switch from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. The main target segment for electric vehicles has been the 2 and 3 wheel categories. According to the Delhi Department of Transport, sales of electric vehicles have increased by around 136% from January 2021 to January 2022 — up to 3,404 units.
Sales of 2-wheelers have, for the first time, exceeded those of e-rickshaws. The electric motorcycle/scooter segment also increased its sales, contributing 52% of overall electric vehicle sales during the same period. The city’s first electric bus also started carrying passengers in January, and there’s a promise to add hundreds more soon.
Devi’s biggest worry is that the battery will run out far from a charging point. Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot hopes for the day when drivers are never more than 3km from a charging point, but it will take time. Until that happens, most electric rickshaw drivers will avoid long journeys that could leave them stranded on a deserted road.
Final Thoughts on Innovative Electric Vehicles
If you want to browse cool and (mostly) battery-powered vehicles of today and tomorrow, take a look at this Youtube video. Sky is the limit!
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