Motive unveils the Kestrel EV
source: http://green.blorge.com/2010/09/motive-unveils-the-kestrel-ev/
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Although the specs for the Kestrel have previously been provided, Motive has not unveiled the actual design of the electric vehicle (EV). Although this car is billed as a four passenger car, it is actually aimed at city drivers who either travel alone or with one passenger.
Motive stated that one of its design requirements was to create a compact car without skimping on interior space. The placement of the front wheels make the design “very cab forward.” The front doors open so that they are actually in the wheel well making getting in and out easier. The car is expected to maneuver well in tight traffic because of it’s forward cab design and compact front end.
VP Design, Darren McKeage states “To design a vehicle with presence I often look to how nature visually communicates a purpose in its purist form. For the Kestrel I wanted to create an image of athleticism and robustness to stand out against a sea of large sedans and SUV’s. I was influenced by animals like grey hounds and sharks that have these barrel chests and narrow waists that communicate strength. I’ve captured that in the design through the wheel arches and upswept form in the rocker area. These features also accentuate the wheels helping create a planted stance.”
Last month Green reported that the body of the Kestrel was to be made of a body composite that includes hemp. Hemp mats from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures are turned into a composite body by Motive. The hemp body composite is expected to be light and inexpensive with the same properties of glass based composites used in race cars.
http://green.blorge.com/2010/09/motive-unveils-the-kestrel-ev/
Motive stated that one of its design requirements was to create a compact car without skimping on interior space. The placement of the front wheels make the design “very cab forward.” The front doors open so that they are actually in the wheel well making getting in and out easier. The car is expected to maneuver well in tight traffic because of it’s forward cab design and compact front end.
VP Design, Darren McKeage states “To design a vehicle with presence I often look to how nature visually communicates a purpose in its purist form. For the Kestrel I wanted to create an image of athleticism and robustness to stand out against a sea of large sedans and SUV’s. I was influenced by animals like grey hounds and sharks that have these barrel chests and narrow waists that communicate strength. I’ve captured that in the design through the wheel arches and upswept form in the rocker area. These features also accentuate the wheels helping create a planted stance.”
Last month Green reported that the body of the Kestrel was to be made of a body composite that includes hemp. Hemp mats from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures are turned into a composite body by Motive. The hemp body composite is expected to be light and inexpensive with the same properties of glass based composites used in race cars.
http://green.blorge.com/2010/09/motive-unveils-the-kestrel-ev/
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