Hiriko: the 100% electric Spanish car

The Hiriko is an urban electric vehicle that is part of an ambitious collaboration between the companies Guardian, SAPA, TMA, Forging, BRW, Maser MIC and Ingeinnova, coordinated by Denokinn, and it has the advice of the very MIT (the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology). It is part of one of the designs intended to play an important role in the mobility of the near future.

Before presenting the vehicle’s data, it should be said that the project was unveiled last week, at an event attended by José Manuel Durao Barroso, President of the European Commission, who gave the project his approval. Not only will it become a reality, but production targets have already been set.

The Hiriko has four motors installed inside each of its wheels, with the novelty that the wheels are all steerable, and in different directions. The range expected from this curious city car is 120 km, with a top speed limited to 50 km/h.

The Hiriko’s innovations do not stop at its steerable wheels. It can rotate to change direction and even fold in on itself, which will allow it to park in really tight spaces. According to the manufacturer’s estimates, four vehicles of this type fit in the space usually taken up by a traditional compact car.

The best way to appreciate the concept of the small parking space it requires is with a video. You will also be able to see how vehicle access has been solved, which is done from the front.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9-nYrhXa8Wo

The Himiko will begin production in 2013, and by 2015 9,000 units per year are expected to be produced across the various franchises to be opened in Europe and America.

Via | ABC