EDAG’s open source Light Car for Geneva

German company EDAG has revealed that it will preview the open source Light Car study concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The study concept which measures 4 meters long, 1.70 meters wide and which has a wheelbase of 2.90 meters long is fully electric and emissions free. With electric drive systems in the wheels, it can deliver up to 150 kilometers in terms of driving range with power supplied by a lithium ion battery pack.

The 5-seater study concept is built out of a new material called basalt fiber. According to EDAG, lightweight basalt fiber which is to be utilized in the construction of rotors for large-scale wind power plants in the future, is 100% recyclable and is in fact cheaper than aluminium or carbon, and that it is also available indefinitely.

Most interesting about the study concept is that the driver can alter certain design elements of the vehicle depending on his/her mood. The driver can change the contours of the head lights according to personal taste. This customization concept is also featured on the inside of the vehicle, enabling the driver to basically “re-arrange” the dash area!

Meaning, the driver can “put” the tachometer or the climate control gauges where ever he/she pleases within a designated area on the dash. The driver can individually configure his/her cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned. How cool is that? Its like a desktop PC with four wheels, which is actually what EDAG is trying to achieve.

The driver can also customize the tail lights on the tail gate and it does not stop there. It also serves as a communication device with the ability to project coloured messages. For instance, the braking force applied by the driver can be communicated to the vehicle behind by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car.

Other information such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Furthermore, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without the need of taking his/her eyes off the road! Continue reading to view a short video clip.

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Harvinder Sidhu

Harvinder Singh Sidhu thinks there's nothing better than Formula 1, not even sliced bread. Having written about cars since 2006, he plunged head first into the industry out of a passion for all things four-wheeled and everything in between. The F1 enthusiast has been following the sport since 1999 and has been keeping up with it since. In between races he keeps himself busy as the host of the Driven motoring show and as our version of the Joker.

 

Comments

  • Superman on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    The concept is good if everyone is driving the same car.

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  • Jessen on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    The car is too small for me :)

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  • Akazamabamaboo (Member) on Feb 26, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Now this is a really cool concept!

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  • kei9 (Member) on Feb 26, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    Cool inspiration they have there. Kudos!

    I like the idea of it.

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  • android on Feb 26, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    wonder if u can even design the signs u wanna display.. like yr middle finger when someone tailgates u…kakakakaka

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  • EDAGman on Feb 26, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    Hi Paul,

    Basically Edag is not a IT/electronic company. It is a engineering company that provide complete vehicle development. Do check out www.edag.com for more info.

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  • Jaybond on Feb 26, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    If i'm not mistaken, there was an EDAG office branch somewhere in Kelana Jaya

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  • mystvearn (Member) on Feb 27, 2009 at 2:39 am

    One step closer to become a transformer. But lots of moving parts will surely make the car more expansive right?

    This car reminds me of this new anime Rideback. Motorbike turns into some sort of robot.

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  • fastcx (Member) on Feb 27, 2009 at 3:02 am

    now car also can open source? lol good for our future :P cars that is built by community!

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  • open source? is it free? :D

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  • tanasi on Feb 27, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    this is the consultant which helped proton engineer the Waja

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  • Yes I read somewhere this was the consultant that helps Proton built the Platform for WAJA, now also used by Gen 2 and Persona.

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  • With EDAG as consultant for its platform and with lotus ride and handling makes WAJA, Gen 2 and Persona such a joy to drive…. stable on Highways and good grip on winding roads…… that is what most of us want… handling like a continental car.

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