First energy-autonomous production car

January 16, 2007 9:05 PM

Eclectic is a solar, wind, and plug-in electric-powered "vehicle" making it [theoretically] energy autonomous. While solar vehicles are not new, this pioneering consumer production model may find a niche market. June 2007, priced starting at 24,000€. Summary.
posted by stbalbach (15 comments total)

She drives a wind car.
It doesn't get her far.
But it gets her to where she's going.
posted by delmoi at 9:26 PM on January 16, 2007

reminds me of the Segway - high on concept, ridiculous in execution. I would like to see these kind of technologies employed in a package that appeals to more people so that they have at least a chance of catching on. Even with all its energy breakthroughs, its still just a golf cart -- laughable at worst, a forgettable experiment at best.
posted by cubby at 9:43 PM on January 16, 2007

I say that cause, really, I would buy this car if it could replace my current car. But it can't. Because its a golf cart.
posted by cubby at 9:45 PM on January 16, 2007

Coral cached version. (Their webserver seems to be a golf cart.)
posted by dhartung at 10:00 PM on January 16, 2007

#$(*&*#$W preview!

Coral cached version.
posted by dhartung at 10:01 PM on January 16, 2007

Wouldn't replace the car, but maybe would replace the scooter.
And what dhartung said, except golf carts are designed better.
posted by Goofyy at 10:19 PM on January 16, 2007

Pretty damned ugly. sort of a throwback to cars of 1910. All it needs is a twisty horn and a gas lantern on it.

It's not big oil that's stopping electric cars, it's electric car designers.
posted by joelf at 11:19 PM on January 16, 2007

No driving the kids to school in your pajamas
posted by Cranberry at 11:39 PM on January 16, 2007

I should amend that so it doesn't seem like I'm trying to bait people. it felt kind of snarky on retrospect. I'm just saying that for a car to be appealing, if it runs on gas, or electricty, or water, it should look nice.

at least this one's got some nice curves to it
posted by joelf at 11:42 PM on January 16, 2007

Never mind curves, what about safety? Most trucks in this town would drive right over that thing.
posted by Listener at 1:11 AM on January 17, 2007

That's the kind of car you'd have to make people buy. Like, if a city declared downtown off limits to all vehicles (except emergency, delivery, or mass transit vehicles, of course) that go over certain size, weight, speed, noise, or emissions limits. Then folk would give up trying to own the biggest, fastest, loudest thing on the road, they'd buy cars like this one, and local living conditions would improve an awful lot.
posted by pracowity at 2:44 AM on January 17, 2007

Like, if a city declared downtown off limits to all vehicles

*Ding* We have a winner!
posted by stbalbach at 5:40 AM on January 17, 2007

Excellent idea, but wow, that's ugly. The shot from the front looks like that MIT AI robot Kismet.

I know that you generally want a nice flat top to put the cells on, but it's not always noon. Why not have a more classic body, therefore lose the blind spots at 10 & 2, and have the cells wrap the top of the sides of the vehicle?
posted by mortimer at 5:56 AM on January 17, 2007

Carbon-neutral vehicle vs. carbon-based vehicle: points will be given for style.
posted by cenoxo at 9:16 AM on January 17, 2007

That Cree is really super awesome looking. I want one!
posted by lumpenprole at 2:55 PM on January 18, 2007