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Inflatable car is crash resistant and packs flat
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04/10/2007
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A team in San Francisco has developed a “Sub $5000” electric car where already inflated air bags provide both structure and crash protection.
XP Vehicles T uses what is describes as a, “Baffled pressure tube system” for its “WhisperT” car and takes the form of a slightly bulbous two seater. The car was initially designed for the South East Asian market, but the initial launch announcement at once aroused immense interest world wide, to the point that the team are presently only willing to answer emails. The sealed composite membrane tube structure uses a layered web material system. The wheels are driven by eight hub mounted motors. The car incorporates a substantial luggage area and can float in water.
The company says that it is still seeking a final round of funding, so the car is not yet on sale, but when it does, colours, trims, features and styles will be online user configurable for four different body types and the cars will be supplied in two cardboard boxes for shipping by common carrier anywhere in the world. It is said that the car can be assembled by “Any two people of average education level”.
The power system is provided by another San Francisco company, Device Conduit Technologies.
For more information: http://www.xpcarteam.com and www.deviceconduit.com
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Author
Tom Shelley
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