ECOmove, a consortium of Danish companies, is developing a range-extended electric prototype called QBEAK that can travel 500 miles (800 km) without refueling.
ECOmove has re-thought the electric car concept from scratch and they have developed an innovative means of transport setting new standards for design, usability and sustainability.
The QBEAK features range-extender relying on a bio-methanol-utilizing fuel cell. A chemical process converts the bio-methanol into electricity which charges the battery. The fuel cell promises to increase maximum potential range to as many as 500 miles (800km). Refueling with methanol is similar to filling up with petrol. It can also be distributed using existing fuel-supply pipelines.
Specially designed in-wheel motors drive the car. ECOmove plan to offer two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions.
QBEAK is made from non-corrosive materials that can sustain minor crashes. The QBEAK weighs 425 kilograms without batteries and has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
With a length of just 3 meters QBEAK has 1-6 removable seats or a large trunk (with space to fit a Euro-pallet in the trunk along with 3 seats).
Instead of allowing room for just a single fixed battery pack, ECOmove has built in modules (six in total) inside the chassis of the QBEAK, allowing for a variety of energy sources to be slotted in.
The short body length and its sliding side doors makes parking and driving easy, even in busy urban environments. The driver’s seat is located in the middle allowing you to choose which side to get in or out.
The project was recently awarded funding from the Danish government’s Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program and a range-extended electric model is expected to arrive sometime in 2013.
ECOmove hope to launch an all-electric QBEAK with a range of 186 miles (300 km) later this year.
[source: ECOmove][wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
