There is yet another addition to the green way of cars and this time it’s the brainchild of a joint effort by BASF and Daimler AG. Proudly named as the Smart Forvision, it is a green concept car which was unveiled in India at the Indo-German Urban Mela currently being held in New Delhi. BASF is a Frankfurt based company with expertise majorly in the chemical industry apart from its operation in plastics, performance products, oil and gas and a few more. With BASF’s knowledge in material and sustainable systems and Daimler’s automotive expertise, the Smart Forvision was created unveiling future eco-technologies and electric-way of commuting. Fully equipped with solar cells, O-LED’s, lightweight body and all-plastic wheels showcase a perfect example of a modern environment-friendly car.
Built over a theme of Sustainable Urbanization, the researchers have worked upon a number of smart materials and technologies for utmost sustainability. The vehicle is centered around energy efficiency and lightweight design. The roof is fitted with power generating solar cells which can be used to power the electronics of the car. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED’s) are used for lighting purposes. The solar cells on the roof also add to the design aspect of the small wonder. An efficient temperature management system uses insulating materials and reflective polymer window films to reflect thermal radiations. By doing so lesser energy would be consumed in order to heat or cool the vehicle.
An overall lightweight body and frame have been worked upon by BASF to draw lesser amount of energy from the electric motor while pulling the car. Developments are in place to replace as many metal components with composite plastic materials possessing similar properties to metal. The Smart Forvision sports an all-plastic wheels made by high performance materials worked upon by BASF. This material is as stable as metal and has helped in an enormous thirty percent weight reduction. The innovative design and mobility aspects from Daimler and BASF’s immense resources in chemical engineering and plastics have made the Smart Forvision a lightweight, distinctive, eco-friendly possibility.
This concept is definitely a look into the future electric cars. The important role of chemical industry in the automobile world is evident from this joint venture concept. More research is being done to come up with new technologies and materials that can be implemented in electric cars. Electric cars are green but they are even more efficient and sensible when the energy drawn is obtained highly efficiently with sustainable resources and with minimal CO2 emissions. Research is on by these two companies to attain electric energy from solar and wind energies.
