Mitsubishi DX Concept is a glimpse into the future of adventure vans

As a seasoned automotive enthusiast, I’ve witnessed the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, and I’m excited about the latest innovation that promises to reshape the world of adventure vehicles. This is the Mitsubishi DX Concept, a compact yet versatile lifestyle van showcasing the Tokoyo-based automotive giant’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of adventure travel.

The DX Concept, affectionately dubbed the “tiny adventure van,” packs a punch in a small package. With its futuristic design and a variety of innovative features, it’s clear that Mitsubishi envisions a bright future for those who crave wanderlust. The concept EV is the centerpiece of a Japan Mobility Show exhibit centered on awakening the “adventurous spirit within.”

Designer: Mitsubishi

One of the standout features of the six-seater plug-in hybrid is its compact size, making it perfect for navigating tight city streets and venturing off the beaten path. Mitsubishi has cleverly designed this van to be both urban-friendly and adventure-ready, creating a seamless transition from city to wilderness. Under the hood, the DX Concept boasts a hybrid powertrain, embracing the sustainability trends of our time. This not only reduces its carbon footprint but also offers a range of power options suitable for various terrains and driving preferences. The combination of electric and internal combustion power ensures a smooth and efficient ride, whether you’re cruising through city traffic or exploring rugged trails.

The interior of the adventure ride is a testament to the company’s desire to please the adventure-seeking crowd. The spacious cabin offers flexible seating arrangements, transforming the van from a daily driver to a comfortable sleeping space for two. Clever storage solutions and modular features cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to bring along all the gear they require for their journey. Furthermore, the DX Concept incorporates the latest technological advancements, including a cutting-edge infotainment system and advanced driver assistance features. Safety and connectivity are paramount in this design, ensuring that you can explore with peace of mind while staying connected to the world.

Mitsubishi DX Concept is more than just a tiny adventure van; it’s a vision of the future of adventure travel given its off-roading characteristics. If you’re an adventure seeker with an eye for innovation, keep an eye on this Mitsubishi concept – it’s a promising glimpse into the future of on-road and off-road exploration.

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InMotion Adventure Unicycle is an electric off-roading beast with tons of power

When it comes to commuting in the urban landscape, personal mobility vehicles win the argument hands down. The ability to maneuver them with ease through jammed vehicular traffic has undoubted advantages. A unicycle is right up there on the list of future mobility accessories for Gen-Z because they are highly personal.

InMotion wants to set sail on this rising trend with their latest electric unicycle that’s powerful enough for hair-raising speeds, and also good when it comes to treading dirt trails and off-road.

Designer: InMotion

It’s not the first time the Chinese e-mobility specialist has created an electric unicycle, but this one tips the scales on a whole new level. Crafted to push the boundaries of exploration, the Adventure electric unicycle has a beefy 4,000 W motor capable of producing 200 Nm (147.5 lb. ft) of torque and 850 N traction force. That translates into a powerful commuter ready to take on steep inclines and uneven terrain with utmost ease.

On level surface, the electric unicycle accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and goes at top speed of 110 km/h. That is both thrilling and dangerous if you push the electric motor churning out 9,000W to its limit. It is possible to overclock the motor to deliver 12,000W – which is purely insane – and will be available once the ride hits the roads. Adventure, as the name implies is made for unknown adventures and therefore comes with a more stable configuration dubbed ‘Comfort Mode’ and a power-oriented setting called ‘Sport Mode’ – both of which can be toggled via the companion app.

The 2,400mAh capacity of the four independent batteries comes with a smart battery management system to monitor their performance in real time. According to the maker, all of them combined give around 120 km of range on a single charge. The fast-charging option tops up the battery by 80 percent in an hour’s time. Riding on IPX7-rated, 16-inch wheels fitted with 3-inch wide tires, so sudden downpours should not be an issue.

InMotion is also offering the unicycle with the option of eight rebound damping and 17 compression damping levels for the suspension. This gives the rider complete freedom to configure the unicycle’s riding properties. Other features include an adjustable 1,500-lumen headlight, large anti-slip footplates and impressive tail lights. For those who are already interested in the Adventure electric unicycle, it can be booked for an early bird price tag of $3,299. That said, there is no word on the availability right now.

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FIAT Topolino is a subcompact EV for stylized urban mobility

Urban commuting is gradually transitioning to compact vehicles that can take on the tight turns and curves of a crowded city. A better alternative to two-wheelers and trikes, a quadricycle has reassured balance, better safety, and is suited for the varying requirements of demanding users.

A couple of years ago, FIAT launched the electric Citroën Ami which is a pint-sized EV designed for Gen-Z. Now the Italian auto manufacturer has engineered the Topolino inspired by the two-door FIAT 500. The subcompact car is slated to hit the market in the first half of next year in peppy colors, and that’s an interesting development.

Designer: FIAT

Measuring just 2.53 meters the all-electric city EV has a 7.2-meter turning radius for shimming around tight spaces where standard vehicles get stuck. Topolino gets the 6kW electric motor which should be ample for slow city riding. Given the small size, there’s a 5.5kWh battery which only churns out a promised range of 47 miles and a top speed of 28mph. That should be more than enough for short-range mobility in urban areas.

FIAT will bring the EV in two variants: a closed-doored and hard-topped version and an open doorless soft-topped variant dubbed Topolino Doce Vita. These two variants will have the same color options, 14-inch wheels and two-seat interiors. The only difference is, the closed version has a sunblind roof and wooden finish stickers on doors. The open version for tropical regions gets door sills, door rope and striped stickers.

Along with these base features, the Topolino will have optional accessories including a luggage bag (stored between driver and passenger), USB fan, Bluetooth speaker, thermal water bottle, rear luggage rack and seat covers that double as beach towels. In total there’s going to be 63 liters of interior storage space to haul other vital gear. No wonder FIAT tactically refrains from calling this EV a car, and labels it as an electric mobility device.

The compact EV will come at a list price of €9,890 (approximately $10,700) which is more expensive than the Ami. FIAT will position the Topolino as a more premium option and time will tell if it delivers on the promise of reliable city commuting.

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Electrifying the Roads: The ID.BUZZ Microbus, a Classic Reimagined for the Future

A remarkable event in the history of cars has occurred on the first-ever International Volkswagen Bus Day with the return of the microbus after a 20-year break. The T4 model was the last of these iconic vehicles sold in America, and now the electric ID.BUZZ has taken over. This is a significant milestone for the automotive industry.

Designer: Volkwagen

This vehicle is unique, unconventional, and breaks expectations. Its design stands out from other vehicles. The microbus is not just about looks but has an efficient layout. Despite its small size, the interior is surprisingly spacious, thanks to the rear engine placement.

Piloting a microbus can be equated to asserting a commanding presence on the road. One of the key characteristics is the wheel placement, which is extended to each corner of the vehicle. This design aspect improves driving dynamics, rendering the ID.BUZZ to be more agile and enhances visibility. The extensive glass enclosure around the cabin allows a panoramic, crystal-clear view of the surrounding environment.

This legendary vehicle’s rebirth tailors it for North American consumers. Given this market’s propensity for larger vehicles, the wheelbase has been expanded by 10 inches, an extra row of seats has been added, power output has been boosted, and a larger battery has been integrated. The extended wheelbase fosters improved driving dynamics and a roomier interior.

This newly designed vehicle has a powerful performance drive unit that provides 282 horsepower to the rear wheels. There is also an all-wheel-drive version with approximately 330 horsepower available. The vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries are integrated into the floor, which results in a low center of gravity and improves the overall driving experience.

In terms of dimensions, the two-row European version of the microbus is roughly the same length as a Tiguan but shares an Atlas’s width. With an extra 10 inches added to the wheelbase for the North American market, the microbus deftly balances the proportions of a compact and a midsize SUV. This distinct blend results in a maneuverable and manageable vehicle, yet it offers significantly more interior space than comparable SUVs.

The North American version of the vehicle has an updated look with new color options for both the exterior and interior. The iconic VW logo is illuminated, and color choices include the original European hues such as orange, yellow, dark blue, and bright green, as well as three new options: silver, cabana blue, and grey. This wide range of colors allows each owner to create a unique vehicle that reflects their individual personality.

The North American microbus’s interior outshines its competition. Three unique, custom interiors are available, each designed to captivate and cater to individual preferences. Whether it’s the urban ambiance with dark brown seats and blue door inserts, the coastal theme’s light tones, or the ’70s retro-inspired cognac brown seats with yellow piping, and there’s an interior to suit every preference.

Inside the microbus, comfort and utility reign supreme. Seven seats are standard, with the option to swap out for captain’s chairs, reducing the seat count to six. Standard leatherette seats come with heated and ventilated functionality that features 12-way power adjustment, memory function, and massage, and all are included as standard amenities. As a passenger vehicle, ensuring the comfort of occupants is paramount.

The seating layout is versatile and designed to accommodate various needs and purposes. The middle row, a 60/40 split-fold seat, can also slide forward by approximately 20 centimeters. The third row follows a similar design but adds the convenience of being removable, ensuring that additional cargo space can be made available when needed.

At a height of 6’2″, there was plenty of space for both my legs and head in the second and third rows. I found it much easier to get in and out of the third row compared to any minivan or SUV I’ve tried before. This makes the ID.BUZZ one of the most versatile vehicles for moving people in any consumer class.

In the ID.BUZZ, I found it very simple to remove the third-row seats. A quick tug on a string released the latch, allowing the seats to easily slide back. Additionally, the seats had a carrying handle for convenient transport and storage. Reinstalling the seats was just as easy, with a straightforward reverse process. The ID.BUZZ’s design and execution is notably thoughtful, especially when compared to traditional minivans that have captain’s seats.

The ID.BUZZ also introduces a new 12.9-inch infotainment display, equipped with illuminated sliders for temperature and volume control and a dedicated climate document. The vehicle boasts features that amplify convenience and comfort, most of which are standard in the entry model. Highlights include power sliding doors, a power horizontal sliding second-row window, a power tailgate with a kick-to-open function, three-zone climate control, and minimal optional equipment.

Additional optional features include a panoramic electrochromic roof that considerably opens up the cabin, and a pre-heated windshield, among others.

Safety, convenience, and driver assistance are all consolidated under the IQ Drive umbrella. A standout feature of this suite is the travel assist functionality, which blends adaptive cruise control and lane assist. As long as drivers maintain slight contact with the steering wheel, the vehicle handles the rest, making the journey both comfortable and enjoyable. Other IQ Drive features include Remote Parking, Head Up Display, and an area view.

The return of the microbus is more than just a nostalgic comeback; it represents a complete rethinking of what a vehicle can be. It blends the best of both worlds, with a mix of classic design and modern functionality, creating a perfect balance of style and practicality. This vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; it offers a unique experience, makes a statement, and owning one means possessing a piece of history while traveling into the future. The wait has been long, but the consensus is that it has been worth it. Having had the chance to test drive the European version of the ID.BUZZ, I am eager to share its unique appeal and the joy of operating such a distinctive vehicle—the ID.BUZZ will be available on the market next year, with pricing details yet to be released.

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Sony x Honda E-Volve concept evolves with the riders skill level and preferred driving modes

Honda has struck a deal with Sony to create new mobility services to optimize the way consumers interact with future vehicles for a balance between manufacturing and functionality.

Now that the two Japanese heavyweights have already revealed a prototype electric sedan under the brand name Afeela, as a result of this long-running partnership, should the two-wheelers not also get the rubbing-off treatment?

Designer: Jennifer Ellison

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A motorbike with the same exploits as the four-wheeled counterparts for a unified approach towards sensible mobility. This electric concept bike is exactly what a Honda-Sony partnership would result in, and it’s aptly dubbed SonyxHonda E-Volve. The core idea of the design is freedom in style, to grow and have the flexibility that Gen-Z craves. This electric motorcycle built on a light, compact frame has a wide range of modules that can be interchanged whenever desired for real-time needs.

What’s more intriguing is the ability of the bike frame that’s initially purchased to be displayed in their homes during seasons when biking is not such a good idea. Extreme winters and monsoons for instance. The barebone frame can be fitted with the required modules focused on either style, performance, agility or both. Users can either choose the E-Volve to be a café racer or a sports racer depending on what the driving conditions are or the skill level of the rider.

The wheels on the electric bike can be customized to have a hydraulically controlled independent suspension system controlled by a dedicated motor on the inside. This gives superior ride comfort and the ability to tweak the resultant pressure level on the wheels. According to the designer, the companion app helps the rider in setting the skill level of riding so that precise recommendations can be made on upgrading the hardware. This way you only drive a bike that’s tailored for your permissible limits and nothing more for road safety.

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These dome-shaped solar trees use AI to charge electric vehicles and combat the issue of EV charging

Slowly and surely the world has been moving towards clean energy alternatives. People have been abandoning dirty energy, especially petrol and diesel-ridden vehicles, for smarter and cleaner EVs, and other solar energy products. However, an issue that EVs often pose, is the issue of charging them. It can be challenging to find charging stations frequently and in convenient locations, but this is where these intriguing ‘Solar trees’ come into the picture. London-based SolarBotanic Trees created these sleek innovative trees designed to power EV Charging stations!

Designer: SolarBotanic Trees

The London-based company launched the prototype for the trees in September 2022, and its first generation of solar trees will finally be available in the coming few months! SolarBotanic developed these trees in collaboration with a London-based business support program Co-Innovate. The two teamed up and used academic and innovation resources from the surrounding universities and facilities. The unique-looking trees have been equipped with solar panels. These solar panels or nano photovoltaic ‘leaves’ form the dome or the canopy of the trees. They absorb energy from sunlight and transform it into electrical energy.

That collected electrical energy is then stored in the trees’ AI-driven energy storage and management system, which releases this power and manages it. There are other simple solar trees on the market, for example, Smartflower – a rather large daisy-shaped solar energy solution. But there are certain features that set the SolarBotanic Trees apart from similar designs on the market. First and foremost, the Smartflower has a four-kilowatt system, while the SolarBotanic Trees have been equipped with a five-kilowatt capacity, a larger capacity than other trees available today. Also, the SolarBotanic Trees will have a lower and more economical price point, which will make the product more accessible to the masses.

The SolarBotanic Trees will provide solar energy solutions for homes, businesses, and commercial parking spaces. The commercial version or the SolarBotanic Tree “v01” will be available in mid-2023 and version “v02” with an energy management system (EMS), battery storage, and rapid EV-charging system will be available later in the year. A third version the “v03” will be available in 2025 – it will use an advanced combination of wind and solar power generation modules.

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