French automaker Peugeot Citroën, as part of a push deeper into green car technologies, recently unveiled a new lightweight urban electric vehicle called VéLV.
This compact three wheel transport device, developed in conjunction with the French environment and energy management agency ADEME, has a somewhat passing resemblance to an electric car being built by Oregon-based Arcimoto.
The VéLV is adapted to city driving, according to those developing it. It follows a certain rationale in its creation, similar to other small form electric vehicles we’ve seen, that focuses upon a greener alternative to the fact a lot of short drive urban journeys in individual cars contribute their share of C02 emissions. Going electric for these short term drives is seen as one way to counter that for those who don’t want to take mass transit.
Designed to be compact at 2.81 m, or 9.2 feet, long and 700 kg, or 1543 pounds, in weight, the VéLV sports “an integral one-piece body made of fiberglass and polyester resin.” This body houses an electric drivetrain capable of 20 kW (DC)/30 kW for a top speed of 110 kph, or 68 MPH, and an estimated driving range of 100 km, or 62 miles. Its power consumption level is said to be just 85 Wh/km travelled.
Peugeot Citroën said its electric vehicle concept is capable of seating three individuals and that it is authorized for use on roads reserved for cars (main roads, ring roads) and motorways. It also complies with regulations equivalent to those used for motorized trikes and has resulted for its developer the filing of 29 patents related to its systems.
Unfortunately, there was no mention of whether or not it would ever actually hit the roads of France.
