Johnson Controls has unveiled an ie:3 electric demonstrator car that features the debut of the lithium-ion battery pack developed through its joint venture with French firm Saft as well as flexible folding seats.
The ie:3 vehicle is powered by the low-profile battery pack that fits into a small space under the floor of the vehicle compartment, allowing more room for storage than other cars packed with EV batteries, the company says. The car’s target range is 100 miles per electric charge.
The ie:3 concept also shows new interior systems for a potential electric vehicle. Cool tech includes a color heads-up display, stretched fabric interior panels that let variable LED lights shine through, rear seats that recline up to 45 degrees and sound transducers in the lightweight headliner, rather than door-mounted speakers.
Seating enhancements incorporated into the vehicle include stadium seating in that enables the floor of the passenger side to accommodate a suitcase when the seat is up. The rear seats fold flat to the floor for increased storage.
Johnson Controls joined with Paris-based Saft to launch a joint venture in January 2006 for the development of nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries for the hybrid-electric vehicles.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
