The first commercial solar-electric hybrid car

Posted October 12, 2006 at 04:47 PM by PJ Hruschak

Section: Gadgets / Other, Transportation

For only 92,000 euros ($115,811), you’ll be able to pick up Venturi’s new AstroLab, the world’s first commercial electro-solar hybrid car, when it is available in January 2008. Described by its designer, Sacha Lakic as “a flying wing set on four wheels,” the Astrolab used no gas, emits zero emissions, recharges while in motion and does not need permanent exposure to the sun to run. It has a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour (74.5 mph), a range of 110 km (68 miles) and will seat two passengers. AstroLab has a single-shell, ultra-light carbon monocoque chassis, nearly 39 square feet of photovoltaic cells on its surface and liquid-cooled NiMH Venturi NIV-7 batteries that can be plugged into a electricity grid.  Sounds like a dream come true.  It’s a shame it looks like a Pinewood derby car.

Site [Venturi]