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Home | Green Cars News | Concepts | Ecooter â€“ Electric Car for Urban Transportation

Ecooter â€“ Electric Car for Urban Transportation

17 October, 2007 12:00:00

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Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) unveiled a "concept" model of an ecology-friendly "Ecooter" electric two-person vehicle aimed at providing a safe and energy-saving urban transportation option.

Ecooter will be presented at the 2007 EICMA International Cycling Exposition in Milan, Italy from November 8 to 11.

ITRI President Johnsee Lee says - "There is no way that Taiwan can compete in automobile construction with the global giants, but it may be possible for Taiwan manufacturers to produce a compact, light energy-efficient and highly maneuverable urban transportation vehicle or to make key components."

The most notable design aspect of the Ecooter is its diamond-shaped four-wheel chassis system that allows the vehicle to make a 360 degree turn in a radius of just 1.2 meters.

A special self-leaning system prevents it from overturning when negotiating curves, making it very nimble in confined city areas, Wang said, adding that the small size of the vehicle -- it is designed to carry only the driver -- helps increase its ease of parking.

Besides the usual steering wheel and gas and break pedals, the driver's system also offers a head-up display, LED headlights and taillights, wireless communications and navigation, rear view cameras and other safety features.

Power is provided by a highly efficient lithium battery that will offer approximately 100 kilometers of driving for each charge. The features include cameras that show "blind spots" to the rear and on both sides of the car and a safe driving system that alerts the driver to abnormal lane changes.

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