| Make
|
Citroen |
| Model |
E-3POD
Antistatic |
| Concept
year |
2011 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
electric |
The Citroen E-3POD Antistatic is an officialy sanctioned
Citroen design which was created by Royal College of Art
student Heikki Juvonen.
The 'Double Challenge' project which inspired the E-3POD
Antistatic asked Royal College of Art (RCA) MA second
year students to design a ground-breaking ultra-compact
vehicle that displayed a unique design aesthetic for future
Citroen's. The project was jointly sponsored by Citroen
and EXA, a French aerodynamic simulation software company.
The E-3POD Antistatic concept by Juvonen was selected
as the best overall design by staff and representatives
from Citroen's Style Centre and Electric Vehicle Development
Team. The prize for Juvonen was a six month employment
contract at the PSA Design Center in Paris.
The appearance of the Citroen E-3POD Antistatic is defined
by the unique three wheel layout. The vehicle features
two smaller wheels at the front, with the driver sitting
inside a larger third wheel with an innovative hub-less
design.
The ultra-light, micro segment, single-seat E-3POD Antistatic
is not designed to replace cars, but instead it is supposed
to provide an alternative to cars or bikes - which many
E-3POD customers may also own or regularly use.
With the E-3POD, the driver can enter the world of electric
vehicles without having to sacrifice their main means
of long distance travel in internal combustion engine
cars. The distinctive, slightly quirky appearance of the
E-3POD Antistatic is designed to help prevent the vehicle
from being compared directly to cars - to avoid comparisons
in terms of operational range or refuelling/recharging
time.
The E-3POD has a simplified, lightweight construction
with an emphasis on aerodynamics to minimize the required
battery size. This lowers the production costs, making
the E-3POD affordable for purchase in addition to the
family car - and a potential means of commuting for young
people and students.
The lowered weight is emphasized in design elements such
as the rear wheel, which works as a supportive structural
element, the shared suspension for both front wheels,
and the use of scratch resistant plastic for the canopy.
The silent electric engines also make sound insulation
redundant, allowing for lighter material selection.
At higher speeds the E-3POD tilts slightly in the corners
to provide improved grip and a more involving driving
experience. |
|
