MIT develops low cost, electric 'stackable' City Car
Wed 07 November 2007
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Researchers at the Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT) are building prototypes of two low cost lightweight electric vehicles that can be cheaply mass-produced, rented by commuters under a shared-use business model, and which may be folded and stacked like grocery trolleys at train stations or other central sites.
The first is a foldable electric scooter which was recently launched in Milan. The MIT research team will soon unveil the "City Car", also foldable, which is expected to follow next year. According to MIT, the key to the concept lies in the design of its wheels. The MIT team has transformed the wheel into a robotic drive system that will power the City Car. Embedded in each of the wheels will be an electric motor, steering and braking mechanisms, suspension, and digital controls, all integrated into sealed units that can be snapped on and off.
The aim of the researchers who form part of MIT's Smart Cities Group is to reduce pollution using electric power, optimise the use of public space by folding and stacking vehicles. The concept will should also mitigate congestion by allowing the public to rent and return the vehicles to racks located near transportation hubs, such as train stations, airports, and bus depots.
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