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| Click to enlarge |  | | The AKASOL e.V. Open Source Car (OSCAR) is a prototype commuter car that uses lithium-ion batteries. Photo: Bruce Whitaker | | | Click to enlarge |  | | The Venturi Fetish combines lightweight and state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology to create a futuristic sports car that delivers outstanding performance. Photo: Bruce Whitaker | | | advertisement | | | | Click to enlarge |  | | Courreges first captured the attention of Challenge Bibendum attendees at the 2002 event with the Bulle prototype. Photo: © 2006, Michelin North America, Inc. | |
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| Click to enlarge |  | | At Challenge Bibendum, Heuliez light-duty trucks were fitted with the CLEANOVA II electric-drive system developed by SVE. Photo: Bruce Whitaker | |
Often some of the most interesting vehicles at Challenge Bibendum, the worldwide symposium on sustainable road mobility, happen to be electric vehicles and their technological advances. Specifically, progress in the development and use of lithium-ion batteries has led to both more creative and more usable electric vehicles.
The vehicles from French couturier Courreges have captured the attention of Challenge Bibendum attendees since the 2002 event, beginning with the Bulle prototype, which is often referred to as the Egg Car or the Bubble Car because of its unique symmetrical design. The second prototype from Courreges, the EXE, uses lithium-ion batteries for better performance. According to Courreges, it has a maximum speed of 175 km/h (109 mph) and a range of 400 to 450 kilometers (250 to 280 miles).
The third electric car from Courreges is the Zooop, which uses lithium-polymer batteries for improved charging, lighter weight and more power. All three Courreges vehicles competed in the 2006 Challenge Bibendum and received a lot of attention for their eye-catching designs as well as their electric propulsion systems.
At the other end of the spectrum, as far as design and functionality, is the CLEANOVA II electric-drive system developed by Societe de Vehicules Electriques (SVE). The system can be fitted to a wide variety of vehicles to convert them to electric power. At Challenge Bibendum CLEANOVA II was fitted to Heuliez light-duty trucks for use as delivery or service vehicles.
CLEANOVA II uses the latest technologies for electric vehicles, including lithium-ion batteries and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor-generator. The system can be charged from any standard electrical outlet in Europe, and vehicles equipped with CLEANOVA II are clean and highly efficient. In the Challenge Bibendum Rally from the test facility to Paris and back, the SVE vehicles still had a 30 percent battery charge after traveling 130 kilometers (80 miles).
Another interesting electric vehicle this year at Challenge Bibendum was the prototype Open Source Car, known as
OSCAR, developed by Darmstadt University in Germany. Because research indicates that the average vehicle carries 1.3 persons, OSCAR is a 1.3 person vehicle—there is one seat for the driver and a second small seat behind the driver on top of the battery pack and the AC induction motor. OSCAR is capable of covering 63 miles on one battery charge, with a top speed of 85 mph.
The exotic Venturi Fetish is a production electric sports car that has earned awards and recognition since it was originally unveiled as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.
The Fetish combines lightweight and state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology to create a futuristic sports car that delivers outstanding performance. According to Venturi, the Fetish will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) and a range of 350 km (218 miles).
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