Daimler, BASF to showcase new technologies in Smart Forvision EV
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FRANKFURT -- A Smart concept at the Frankfurt auto show will showcase weight- and energy-saving technologies that may be used in future electric cars.
Smart's owner, Daimler AG, and German chemicals company BASF will unveil the Smart Forvision EV minicar at the show.
New technology in the concept includes solar cells based on organic chemical dyes built into the car's roof. These are combined with organic light-emitting diodes that serve as a light source for the vehicle.
"Smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels," Annette Winkler, Smart boss, said in a statement.
The wheels are made of Ultramid, a plastic which Daimler says is just as stable as metal and can reduce weight by up to 30 percent.
The concept's chassis has been constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic instead of metal to reduce weight.
Saving weight is a key consideration for electric cars because of their heavy battery packs.
In an effort to stop the loss of energy through heating and air-conditioning, the concept uses high-performance insulating materials and a polymer film in the windows to reflect thermal radiation and maintain a constant temperature within the car
You can reach David Jolley at djolley@crain.com.
