The Beast
After a decade of ‘green’ campaigning, the wheels of change are finally rolling. There has been a lot of buzz in the fuel cells camp and we are hoping to see some concrete production value ensuing from these research efforts. The electric car scenario, though, looks more upbeat. The Paris Motor Show saw Venturi pulling the drapes on its electric GT – the Volage, which is expected to set new trends in this side of the automotive industry. What strikes you most at first glance is its sleekness – a characteristic not common among electric cars. And for good reason too, since electric cars have needles struggling to hit the 150kph and therefore, aerodynamics would make little sense. With the Volage, thanks to its streamlined carbon fiber skin, you can hit this magic figure (150kph/93mph).
The Machine
For an electric vehicle, the Venturi Volage is notches above the existing benchmark. In collaboration with Michelin, the company has incorporated the “Michelin Active Wheel” technology into the Volage. Each wheel will have two electric motors – one for the wheel and another for the active suspension. And sophistication is offered through an ECU driving the motors. Enlivening the motors are liquid-cooled polymer lithium batteries that churn out 45 kWh. On the road, the Volage does 320 km (90kph constant speed) on a single charge and surprisingly, hits 60 mph in less than five seconds. Quite impressive for an electric car, we say!
The Thrill
Electric cars will continue to be an eco-friendly, low cost/maintenance option. If you seek the rush, gas-guzzlers could be a better option. If you can evade nature watchers, that is! The Volage, though, sets the bar higher in terms of performance and gives us enough reasons to believe that electric cars are not slow carts after all.
Venturi Volage Picture Gallery
Source:Autobloggreen / Evworld
