New Citroen hybrid/EV outside of the box
The Cactus could come in both hybrid and electric optionsThere is something special about the Citroen Cactus concept.
No, it's not its EV status. With a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 100 miles, there is nothing special about the Cactus's EV qualifications. It's not the fact that the Cactus could also come as a hybrid model either.
It's the lack of a dashboard. The dashboard controls are instead mounted onto the center console or steering wheel hub, which results in a significant reduction in weight and costs.
More interesting, AutoWeek is reporting that Citroen is seriously considering putting the Cactus into production. Hopefully, such a move can inspire a wave of automakers to think outside of the box to make lighter, cheaper and more fuel efficient vehicles.
Labels: citroen cactus, electric cars, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:30 AM
9 Comments:
I like.
Was there mention of a price? Assuming it's available in the U.S. before I'm dead?
no mention of price. it's still not a sure thing at this point, and you might have to live in europe to buy it.
my hope with a vehicle like this is that it pushes automakers to redefine everything about the automobile.
the vehicles automakers have been making simply, especially for the US market, don't make sense in today's world and, especially, not tomorrow's world.
I like the possible game changing of the "skateboard" design that was to be employed for the Fuel Cells (I think it was GM, so I'm sure it was a crock anyway). The same Idea could still be employed with EV's...The batteries contained within the think skateboard body, the motors in hubs on the wheels, then a shell of any type of body made in a drive by wire place on the chassis. Make the Chassis (skateboard) universal and the differnce body styles vary but uniform to fit on it. The drive by wire skateboard fuel cell design was out of the box...just modify the power soure a bit.
The skateboard was definitely an interesting concept.
The auto industry has been great at showing interesting concepts and ideas over the years, but it always end up taking the safe route.
I just want to see action, even if it comes in smaller steps, such as the Cactus versus something more revolutionary like the skateboard.
I also think that Aptera has a compelling idea. It's amazing that a two seat electric smart car can generate tons of buzz, but not a two seat aptera because it isn't as conventional looking.
Today, many autos start with design, and then fit functionality and performance into that design.
We should start with functionality, with efficiency, then wrap the design around it.
If you're gonna lead with design, then start with the most aerodynamic design possible, not the coolest looking design.
People wouldn't be caught dead in an Aptera because it looks unsafe, it's too small, it's funny looking...but then they'll go out and buy a crotch rocket.
maybe if they made the aptera sound like a crotch rocket it would help?
The French have no desire IMO to sell cars here. They honestly feel Americans don't deserve their cars that they CURRENTLY make.
And plus, they really don't need to sell here contrary to what Americans feel is not the case.
Call it snubbing their noses or whatever. It's a real shame as they make some wonderful small cars...but I can't blame them.
we haven't really made sense as a market, but that could be changing. still, i don't expect these vehicles in the states, but i do hope such vehicles could influence design of vehicles sold in the us.
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