Tag Archives: ev

This Citroën 2CV inspired electric concept shines in dual-tone colors and modern styling

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The legendary 1945 Citroën 2CV often referred to as the umbrella on wheels had a fixed profile convertible bodywork and roll-back sunroof. This world’s first front-wheel-drive car was produced between 1948 – 1990 with more than 3.8 million units sold. In fact, the ride mirrored the Volkswagen Beetle in more ways than not. The definite charm of both these cars is truly undeniable all these years, and still continues to brush automotive fans.

To revive the nostalgic memories of this economy family car, designer Jean Louis Bui has penned an electric concept in a modern avatar. Dubbed the Citroën La 2 Deuche Concept, this cheeky mini car has a sense of airiness to it. Retro DNA of the vehicle is visible in the section over the wheels, the headlights and the accordion-like retracting rooftop which turns it into a convertible. According to Jean the styling is picked from the simple lines and silhouette of the inspiration – particularly the Charleston version. The rest of it has the more modern profiling – especially the side profile and rear. Those taillights and the wheels do give off the futuristic vibe, and as far as the exterior goes, it ends there.

Designer: Jean Louis Bui

The big Citroën logo on the grille makes the modern-looking version of the 2CV come alive combined with the dual colorway in shimmering black and red. The other color option the designer goes for is the sea green and black which also looks nice but I would not go for this one if ever Citroën plans to revive the classic for real. That Charleston-influenced bio-tone color is quite evident in here, and it’s refreshing. Also, this has to be a playful vehicle owing to its style and colors, just like the Citroën 2CV back in its glorious time. The designer in his submission emphasized that the concept embodies the “emblem of France as well as the Eiffel Tower, the baguette or the croissant.”

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This electric mountain patrol bike makes a ranger’s task easier in tough terrain

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Patrol motorcycles like BMW R 1200 RT-P, Yamaha FJR1300, or the Harley Davidson Street 750 are readily used by law enforcement agencies around the world. All of these machines are the first choice for keeping the bad guys in check, thanks to their power-to-weight ratio, agile handling, and storage space to keep all the tools handy.

Rethinking how a mountain patrol motorbike ought to be, the EQUULEUS electric mountain patrol bike beckons to the future of crime-fighting. This two-wheeler concept is built keeping in mind the riding safety and ample space to keep all the essential tools and equipment. In turn, the forest rangers can patrol inhospitable regions with utmost confidence and freedom to take all the essentials along. Even better, the storage modules loaded in the different sections of the bike are completely detachable, so, the rider can tag along tools in the most organized manner possible.

Designer: Ethan Hsu

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In total there are five waterproof storage modules – two embedded on each of the sidepods and one on the rear. Three have 30 liters capacity while the other are 40 liters each. That’s plenty of space to store all the needed stuff without inducing imbalance. The contoured dashboard displays vital telemetry including the battery charge levels, navigation maps, altitude, compass and pre-designated waypoints.

A normal day in the life of a mountain patrol ranger gets much easier with the QEUULEUS electric bike. Load the needed tools in the respective toolboxes, set the destination on the GPS, and once the destination is reached – take out the toolbox to finish the required tasks. The robust electric bike keeps the center of gravity right where the rider leans the weight, therefore, making it ultra-stable on any kind of treacherous trail. Apart from all this, I can go on talking endlessly about the sharp looks and the intimidating front stance. However, I’ll let the design renders and scaled model do all the talking!

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This shape-shifting kick scooter transforms into electric bicycle and vice versa

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Commuting in crowded spaces demands a swift and agile ride that’s easy to store when not needed. A city bicycle, or even better a kick scooter is the best option for an urban lifestyle. If these commuters are high on style and function while not overcomplicating things, it’s the red cherry on top.

When it comes to personal commuters, less is more and vice versa too. So, what if you get the perfect combination of an electric bicycle and a kick scooter in one? To me, that sounds like the ideal product for city exploration or simply going from one block to the other in quick time.

Designer: Ugly Duckling

Having come across countless kick scooters with impressive design and functions, this one is a bar above the rest for its dual utility and compact design. Since I’m a big fan of shape-shifting automotive designs, this one has really impressed me beyond comprehension. Christened the Popup Scooter, the two-wheeled electric bicycle transforms into a chick kick scooter, and the other way around. This gives the rider (and his/her family and buddies) the option to choose the configuration depending on the particular needs.

The smooth transformation happens courtesy of the hydraulic cylinder which in normal bicycles is used to adjust the ride height. This hydraulic mechanism is capable enough to lift an adult person, so, lifting and lowering the ride’s body shouldn’t be a problem at all. At the core level, the concept is not just another blueprint that looks good on paper but falls flat on its face when it comes to creating the actual prototype or even a production model.

As per the designer, the future will be dominated by one-person mobility, and to cater to the demands of either sporty driving or comfortable riding experience, design is going to be a challenge. The Popup Scooter has the potential to satiate everyone’s needs since it can evolve into a two-wheeler no one knew existed, but everybody would want in their garage.

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This electric Tuk-Tuk raises the bar for comfort and luxurious travel in future metropolis

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The cute little Tuk-Tuk has been the staple of developing countries in ferrying around people in crowded cities. This three-wheeled cart invented in Thailand, around seven decades ago gets its name from the sound of the small engine propelling it forward. This economically and city feasible means of transportation slowly trickled down to other countries in Asia, and eventually developed countries seemed intrigued by this idea too.

Apart from a few superficial modifications depending on the region where it is used, the good old Tuk-Tuk has retained its age-old magic. The evolution into electric-powered motors has taken precedence, and if you always wanted a more modern, luxe avatar of the three-wheeler, this cool Tuk-Tuk concept fuels the imagination.

Designer: Encho Enchev

An ultra-futuristic version of the Tuk-Tuk that seems to have taken a bold leap astray from its roots. Unlike the traditional versions which are shared rides, this one is for solo travelers and adventure seekers. The rider is cocooned in super comfort on the lounge seat, inside the gull-winged Tuk-Tuk having panoramic glass on all sides to enjoy the outside views. Those big chunky wheels hint at this vehicle’s use as a capable three-wheeler for rough roads or taking a detour from the highway limits.

The Tuk-Tuk when parked opens up like a can of tuna on all sides for that feeling of airiness. The swivel seat can rotate in the left or right direction for daring riders who want to hang off the edge for a breath-taking view of the valley. The rear of the vehicle houses a sleeping area for campers to dwell. It’s more like those pop-top campers built for extended adventures or for people who fancy having a road adventure to a destination unknown.

It’s more like your comfy cocoon that’s operated like a video game racer with the joysticks and push-buttons. While it’s just a digitally penned concept, for now, the idea is unique in its own rights, and could turn out to be a luxe commuter in the coming years.

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This exoskeletal framed off-roader is a potential Mad Max ride for the uncertain future

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A lighter but stronger fabricated body framework is where the automotive industry is constantly drifting towards, Afterall we all need efficient EVs that push the limits of range with subtle improvement. All these little changes make a big difference to the overall perceived value of the vehicle. A very important consideration heading into the future dominated by zero-emission vehicles that’ll look radically different from what we are used to seeing.

The dystopian complexion of times we’ll live in a couple of decades from now is not going to be that rosy considering the drastic changes our environment is undergoing, and it is on course to head towards doom. That sounds like a Max Mad-like world, doesn’t it? Deserted city outskirts with priorities changing to basic survival. For such a challenging future this exoskeletal body-framed off-roader is the perfect accomplice. Most of the body weight has been shed to keep the vehicle nimble on not-so-hospitable terrain.

Designer: Maitreya Dhanak

It’s more like a buggy on a strict weight loss regime, and a lean muscular body to prove it right. The well-tuned electric motor drives the rear wheels of this two-seater machine capable of accelerating fast from a standing position to breakneck speeds. Those broad chunky tires with deep treads and the reinforced independent suspension on each wheel signal the off-roader’s ability to take on any surface with ease. The wide stance ensures stability while maneuvering swiftly at respectable speeds. To add a bit of modern touch to the design, there is the panoramic glass roof running all the way back to the rear.

Equip this baby with all those skewed monstrosities we’ve all dreaded in the Mad Max movie, and it’ll be all ready to take on The Interceptor, The Big Foot, The Plymouth Rock, or the mighty War Rig. Agility is definitely going to be the key to survival in such an unpredictable setting. Loaded with crazy weapons, this could be the perfect accomplice for a raged hero out for revenge!

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Mercedes Vision AMG is a teaser of the brand’s performance EV future

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Mercedes -AMG has just pulled the drapes off of its futuristic electric sedan concept slated for the 2025 release, and it’s going to be the first dedicated electric vehicle in the performance division.

According to Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, this is the first glance at the metamorphosis of the AMD DNA into the all-electric future. The sporty EV is based on the dedicated AMG.EA architecture consisting the drivetrain made from scratch. According to Mercedes, the axial flux motors produce way more power than the conventional electric motors. Now, that very well justifies its AMG DNA, doesn’t it?

Designer: Mercedes-Benz

This car looks like it time-traveled to a parallel dimension, and couldn’t hide its superior alienated looks. There’s a very animated character to it, but mind you this is how the EV is going to look when it finally rolls on the tarmac. Those triangulated projector lamps (resembling the Mercedes Benz star logo), matte black glasses, and the elongated tail which add to the dynamic appeal. Everything right from the long wheelbase to the contrasting short overhangs or the low-slung body – give it a domineer way above its punching weight (if that’s not too judgmental).

Being a hardcore F1 fan, I can’t help but notice the highlighting fender covering the humungous wheels, and the teal accents on the side sills and diffuser reminiscent of the ones on Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 car. If we move on to the front section, the Vision AMG has a Panamericana grille with vertical slats. As we move to the rear, the tapered roof embodies into the teardrop shape at the rear end. Those illuminations on the tip encapsulate the body flank running smoothly to the rear wheel well. The tail has three brake lamps on either side, and the three-dimensional design of the lights can be mistaken for exhaust pipes, but actually, they aren’t.

Unfortunately, in the press release, Mercedes has not revealed any of the interiors of the Vision AMG concept – leaving us all wanting for more of this upcoming hot EV. One thing is for sure though, the car follows in the footsteps of the EQXX concept, and I can presume the interiors are going to be as swanky (or even better) than the sedan.

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Cybertruck inspired Tesla Model M bike is a bossy café racer

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This striking café racer bears the definitive character of the Tesla clan with its sharp aesthetics and bossy stance.

Be it the agonizingly close to reality Cybertruck dream, or the edgy charisma of the café racers, motorheads find it hard to resist such machines that inspire automotive designers to move ahead with their future iterations of automotive blueprints. The exponential population rise and the multifunctional transportation trend, have triggered an efficient and eco-friendly means of personal commuting. Motivated by this vision, designer Víctor Rodríguez Gómez has created the design for a Tesla-inspired electric bike which is the right mix of a trendy, yet retro fashioned two-wheeler.

Designer: Víctor Rodríguez Gómez

Having more than just a brief semblance of the Tesla Cybertruck, the Tesla Model M bike is made for the urban junkies as well as individuals who like to hit the serene hills on the weekends for an adventure or two. The leaning forward stance of the bike is adapted from the café racers, and the inclusion of geometric lines comes from those architectural trends.

Model M is designed keeping in mind the tight urban spaces, hence, the detachable handlebars make complete sense. The electronic kickstand makes the ride easy to park without any hassles. When it comes to adventure escapades, Tesla Model M has your needs covered. Right where the fuel tank of traditional bikes is, there is a detachable bag with its own battery that powers the lights and the multimedia system. The bag comes with its own start/stop system that acts as an anti-theft mechanism.

The hubless wheels radiate the futuristic character of the ultra-cool ride which emulates the Cybertruck’s steel gray color. Those headlights, swingarm and the seat follow suit with their intimidating stance that goes perfectly with the overall build of the bike. Keeping the futuristic theme going, the translucent digital display shows the current speed and real-time map for optimized navigation.

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Top 10 electric vehicles that are the future of automotives

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In a world where sustainability is running on everyone’s mind, and the consumption of fossil fuels is quite literally looked down upon – Electric vehicles have been slowly and steadily taking over the world! Electric vehicles ditch the age-old fossil fuels and instead run on large traction battery packs which are in turn powered via charging equipment. They may not run on engines, but they still manage to be sleek, swift, and powerful. And, we’ve curated a collection of EV designs that we felt were the best of the lot! From a bold reimagined DeLorean EV to a transforming electric vehicle that goes from a two-wheel e-bike to a self-balancing unicycle – these innovative and groundbreaking automotives promise to be the future of urban commute and automobiles!

1. DMC DeLorean EV

This iconic car is in fact all set to hit the limelight on August 18, 2022, at the prestigious Awards Ramp at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. From what we see in the teaser image, the EV is going to follow the norm with a modern silhouette and this concept gives our imagination wings. If we ignore the rear that looks more akin to the Bugatti Chiron, the EV could be pretty similar to what we see in these renders. A bold form factor with an intimidating front could be on the cards. The side profile has to be sharp and flowing with a supercar-like domineer but slightly bend towards the coupe persona too.

2. 2023 Subaru Solterra EV

This is the first-ever pure electric vehicle in Subaru’s line-up. The EV is powered by the 72.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack sitting between the axles, generating 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. The car goes from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds flat which is good considering this is an EV. Solterra has a very low center of gravity and soft suspension which makes it a bit jittery while tackling tight corners. The silver lining here though is the high ground clearance of 8.3 inches and the multiple levels of regenerative braking which is controlled via the paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

3. 2022 Nissan Ariya EV

Nissan’s design brief for this car was ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’ which allowed the design team to tap into key Japanese words to inspire their global design team to create the Ariya’s exterior, words like sleek, sharp, and seamless. The overall design is definitely futuristic, but the most appealing part of its exterior for me is the front grille, which looks like a traditional grille but packs some stand-out features. Nissan instead calls their grille a ‘shield,’ as it shields hi-tech cameras, radar, and sensors that assist with the car’s self-driving system and ACC.

4. The Zeva Zero

The Zeva Zero definitely looks more like a flying saucer than a flying car, even if the goals and some of the technologies are similar to other attempts at making personal transport vehicles that traverse the skies to avoid earth-bound traffic. For one, it utilizes vertical take-off and landing, a.k.a. VTOL, more similar to a helicopter than an airplane. On the one hand, this has the benefit of saving parking space, so to speak, because the flying saucer launches and lands in an upright position, contrary to what you’d expect from a flying disc. This even has the advantage of allowing the Zeva Zero to “dock” vertical against walls of buildings with a system that the startup calls the SkyDock.

5. DeLorean E

This concept rendering by transportation designer Onkar H takes a dig at what a DeLorean of the future will be like. Of course, it has to be electric to stand a chance of longevity in the closely contested automotive market that’s going through a metamorphosis for an electric vehicle-dominated near future. An electric DeLorean E powered by 4 high-performance motors and a mid-mounted battery pack is what the passionate fans will take with both hands. After all, it kills two birds with one stone – owning a classic piece of history that doesn’t sound alienated in the EV landscape.

6. Titaa

Titaa is a dual-purpose, electric vehicle that can transform from a two-wheel e-bike into a self-balancing unicycle. While riding manual unicycles might be too much of a learning curve for most, self-balancing, electric unicycles sound more like something we could all get behind. Titaa, a unicycle with just those sorts of mechanics, conceptualized by Husky Design is a dual-purpose, modular vehicle that can transform from a bicycle into a self-balancing unicycle.

7. Audi Urbansphere

This luxurious EV concept riding on 24-inch rims is tailored for a progressive mobility era where level 4 autonomous driving will be more than a common thing, and the digitally dominated cabin space takes a detour to a more communal and open design. It’s no surprise the Urbansphere has seatbacks capable of 60 degrees recline and an extendable footrest means the occupants ride in utmost luxury. Audi is planning to add a large format and transparent OLED screen which pivots vertically down from the glass roof to divide the two seating rows just like a taxi divider.

8. The IBO

The IBO’s mood board includes the Avant-garde architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, especially the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, which defied architectural standards with its unique spiral shape. The continuous and clean lines “represent the resurgence of the American automobile of the eighties,” says automotive designer Ángel Álvarez from IBO’s design team. The IBO shatters perceptions that a good, dependable pickup should look edgy like a Cybertruck, and instead opts for slick, curved surfaces – think Baymax, but a car.

9. Evanora

Christened ‘Evanora’ or Greek for ‘gift from the gods’, Dhanak’s concept falls in line with Lotus’ tradition of naming their vehicles beginning with the letter E. Dhanak’s approach towards designing the car deviates from the standard practice of taking a top-down approach. While most car designers have an internal framework pretty much ready, they always start with the outside and work their way in. Dhanak, on the other hand, designed an outer structure to complement the inner structure. The skeletal bodywork you see was designed to clad just the chassis, resulting in an aesthetic that’s quite literally as minimal as it gets.

10. The Polestar O2

The Polestar O2 capitalizes on a rising trend that’s been set by self-driving cars. Sure, the O2 isn’t a self-driving concept, but just the way self-driving cars have redefined what sitting inside an automobile means (you’re not a passenger anymore – you’re a traveler in a moving room), the O2 has shifted the focus from driving to ‘enjoying driving’. The Polestar O2, announced just today, isn’t your average EV… it’s an EV that wants you to be in the driver’s seat as well as the director’s seat. The car comes with a companion drone stashed in its boot that deploys on command, filming you from flattering angles so that you’re quite literally the star of your own Fast and Furious film.

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This sleek robust electric kick scooter is what the city commuters need

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Electric kick scooters are the definitive future of personal commuting owing to the exponential rise in the number of vehicles on the road and the colossal impact of carbon emissions on the planet.  That justifies our obsession with kick scooters lately, and we’ve stumbled over another three-wheeled version that’s a pure delight to watch and presumably to ride on as well.

Dubbed the Electric Stand Bike, this striking creation is the Polestar O2 Convertible of the electric kick scooter world. The personal commuter is fit for riding the city streets as well as the outskirts in maximum style without impacting the environment. The electric-powered machine has bigger front wheels and a single rear one for maximum control. In fact, the front wheels are almost triple the size of the rear one which comes with its own independent dual suspension system to take on the bumps with maximum ease.

Designer: Alexandr Zhukouski

The standing platform is big enough to provide a comfortable upright stance while turning or when the ride gets rough. There’s an elaborate digital panel for all the vital telemetry including the current speed, remaining charge levels, and notifications from a connected mobile device. LED lights at the front have a good amount of throw for clear visibility of the oncoming traffic in the dark hours. The design incorporates storage space to carry along groceries or other essentials after a return trip from the supermarket.

The wide platform on the Electric Stand Bike means there is enough freedom to change the riding position depending on the needs. That also brings in the possibility of keeping stuff (when the need arises) if there is no space left in the storage compartment. Overall, this kick scooter hits the right notes for modern urban commuters who want more than just a barebones ride for themselves. It’s all about style, practicality, and an assuring built that’ll last for years to come in all respects.

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Darth Vader helmet inspired Polestar hatchback has a cheeky dark side

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Polestar happens to attract a lot of attention from automotive concept designers who want a starting point to kick off their passion for crafting blueprints of future electric vehicles. And why not, EVs like Polestar 1 are loaded with upbeat technology and attractive design one could crave in a modern four-wheeler. The Volvo-owned Swedish automotive brand follows a pure and clean design language, but what if the more aggressive, dark side of a Polestar is explored?

This Polestar H03 Hatchback concept reimagines the four-wheelers’ current success mantra with a sharper stance which I absolutely love. A hatchback designed for 2030 gives us a peek into the logical evolution we could very well witness. That balance of asymmetric and geometric shape displays the bold detour Polestar could be in stall for within a decade’s time.

Designer: Anay Kshirsagar

Not making a complete shift to a new look, the designer of this concept maintains the same sharp aesthetics. The front has the peculiar Stormtrooper helmet shape which is indeed a very nostalgic choice to make. Also, the aggressive side panels are reminiscent of the Darth Vader helmet which will without doubt please Star Wars fans.

Wheel rims carry the same sci-fi inspiration, bringing the element of boxy character to the hatchback which oozes with feature lines to convey speed and aggression. The texture of H03 hints towards its lightweight carbon fiber make, and the scratches and imperfections on closer inspection showcase the chaos of the dark side. The designer likes to put this as Duality Concept, and that’s pretty obvious with the contrasting dual-sided paint job – white on one side and black on the other. It’s not every day you come across an EV that you actually want to take for a spin on the freeway.

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