Whether it makes it to production or not, the attractive BB1 is the latest micro-electric prototype from the French manufacturers' Peugeot and Michelin tires. Inspired from Peugeot’s electric VLV from the 1940s, this is probably more closed motorcycle than car, as there is no steering wheel or pedals. Instead, a handlebar controls the direction and speed. The rear-wheel drive automobile can reach 0 to 19 mph in 2.8 seconds and 19 to 37 mph in four seconds, with a top speed of around 65mph, from two electrically-recharged lithium-ion batteries that promise a 75-mile range. It can seat four passengers.
Say what you will, but there is a sea-change coming in transportation... and quicker than you can imagine. Micro city-cars like this are less than a decade from populating American cities. Whether by gasoline prices, car prices or the persuasive success of environmentalists in government, the new world is here... like it or not.
I like this new direction for driving about the city. Here in Boston you will never go much over 35 mph anyway and you can park the damn thing anywhere. I am not a weenie and love fast cars and driving. But I am finding traffic and getting somewhere more of a frustrating experience then ever before. I thought things might be better in the South, but DC's traffic is intolerable as is Atlanta's. Haven't been to the west coast in years, but heard that's turned into a nightmare as well. Friend's in LA don't even take the intercity expressway these days. They all have these strange shortcuts through residential neighborhoods to get to work, etc. Of course, the bad and stupid drivers that are in big cars and trucks will still be assholes in a car five feet shorter. What will that accomplish? Rachael.
ReplyDeleteRachael - Got you covered. But at least the assholes will be in a LESS DESTRUCTIVE vehicles. Bobby.
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