With the 2013 Geneva Auto Show just around the corner, its time for everyone’s favorite automotive think tank Rinspeed to debut its annual unique vehicle concept.
Last year it was the BamBoo, an understated, open-top, electric vehicle that Rinspeed called “a grownup golf cart,” and for this time around they’ve unveiled information on “microMax,” described as a way to “revolutionize urban traffic.”
The microMax, according to Rinspeed, is an all-electric vehicle, so you know right away they have a green car idea in mind. It is from there though that things get, shall we say, interesting for a concept seen as a way to merge personal and public transportation in rather unique ways. Measuring 11.8 feet, microMax has unique upright seats and is geared towards short-distance travelers.
The interior of the concept is envisioned as making your short distance ride as cozy as possible. Besides the space-saving seats equipped with seat belts, microMax is outfitted with a “coffee maker, a refrigerator for the passengers’ happy-hour drinks and unlimited connectivity for entertainment purposes or for working while on the move are also included.” Who thought zero-emissisons riding could be so fun?
Rinspeed’s design idea, with its 7.2 feet of height, is said to offer “plenty of space for the driver, three passengers and a stroller or shopping cart.” We assume by shopping cart it means one you might own, or perhaps one you might be able to borrow and return. Pilfering the shopping carts from your local market is certainly not encouraged.
In a nod to personalization, what’s described as various equipment modules, such as for craftsmen or delivery services, can be mixed into the EV’s make up to provide versatility to what it can be used for.
“microMAX aims to encourage potential passengers to get in and ride because it is extremely convenient and simple,” said Frank M. Rinderknecht of Rinspeed in a statement. “Modern ride share centers nowadays are web-based or Smartphone-based. They operate in real time: You need to go to work on a regular basis or want to go somewhere right now and in no time at all you find the driver that’ll give you a ride. microMAX with its unique upright seats is the perfect ‘thing’ for swift short-distance transfers – the car to go with the app.”
