Nimbus concept e-car is made for both short distances in urban areas and longer trips in varied terrain.
It’s hard not to compare Eduardo Galvani’s Nimbus concept e-car to the iconic Volkswagen Kombi. The Brazilian artist and designer has devised the Nimbus e-car: a range-extended electric road-tripper with panoramic glass and on-demand four-wheel drive.
Its hybrid engine and efficient energy consumption system provides greater driving range and energy saving than the all-electric cars.
Nimbus has a 130Kw (180hp) electrical engine lithium-ion battery powered which works simultaneously with a micro combustion generator which constantly charges the batteries. The Nimbus is built with very strong and lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber, titanium and aluminum, which optimizes its energy consumption (1.30 L/100 km or 181 mpg US).
The hypothetical cruising range is up to 200 miles. The trip from zero to 100km/h (62mph) takes a relaxed 13 seconds, and the Nimbus will roll on to a top speed of 160 km/h (100mph).
Part of its careen is covered with solar panels, allowing Nimbus to automatically generate some of its own energy. Its regenerative brake mechanism makes Nimbus able to recover and save kinetic energy.
Drive Assistance
There are four selectable driving modes to improve the range and energy consumption, depending on the circunstances: Energy Saver, Standard Trip, Faster Cruise and 4WD.
The adjustable Hidraulic Steering Weel, combined with the adjustable seats, allows a very confortable position while driving.
For a better experience parking, Nimbus is equipped with sensors for Obstacle Detection (Distance Warning) and a Back Camera which works as a Digital Mirror on its panel’s Central Display.
Nimbus has a single touch power button to start and turn off the engine, Auto-Pilot technology for cruise control, and a Gearless Automatic Velocity System with Hill Descent Control and no delay in developing torque, granting optimized energy use as well as extremely smooth acceleration and braking.
Safety
Nimbus comfortably carries 5 passengers, protected with side protection bars and 6 airbags. Also, its layout is designed to create a Virtual Safe Position, such that driver and passengers seats are elevated.
Its Panoramic Windows provide maximum visibility of the outside world, increasing both comfort and safety while driving at night or under bad weather conditions.
Panel
Nimbus has a Multi Function Convex Driver Dashboard made with flexible screen, which allows a clear view of important information for the driver, including Velocimeter, Batteries Level, GPS, Engine Temperature and more. It also has auto sound/display alerts for other important information and GPS Commands. The driver can easily change functions on the display anytime with a simple touch on the 4 configurable buttons on the steering wheel, using the touchscreen, or voice commands.
The Central Display and Controller is a removable touchscreen (7″ diagonal) from which the driver or front seat passenger can control the sound system, interior lights, air conditioning, routes, clock and also access the media browser, inclinometer, altimeter, weather, general vehicle info (tire pressure, washer fluid level, maintenance schedule, etc) and Internet services (such as Skype/social media/E-mail). This central display and controller is integrated with an analog selector for better gradual selection of sounds (music/phone) volume/balance/equalizer, A/C intensity and temperature.
Nimbus has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, 4 USB conectors (2 for front and 2 for back seats) for media browser and recharging, as well as 1 conventional 12V power conector.
It has Self-Cleaning Surfaces, for less water use, and Anti-theft System, with Remote Power Blocker andLocation Detection.
Specs
– Dimensions – 2.10 x 4.20 x 2.60 m
– Weight – 1.620 kg / 3 570 lb
– Layout – Rear engine
– Doors – 5
– Autonomy – 260 to 320 km (160 to 200 mi)
– Max Speed – 130 to 160 km/h (80 to 100 mph) – 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 13 seconds
– Baggage loading – 470 lt (Internal) / 300 lt (Top Suitcase) / 200 lt (Reck) – 600kg / 1322 lb total
– Tyres – Semi-cross
– Brakes – ABS
– Suspensions – Independent[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
[source: GAS2, Hemisferio Criativo]
