Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Geneva Motor Show, Lightweight
Geneva 2008: Lumeneo Smera tilting electric car
Introduced in Geneva and existing only in concept form at this time is the Lumeneo Smera, a novel new all-electric city car capable of maneuvering only where motorcycles and scooters dare to tread. Although boasting four wheels, the Lumeneo is a tilting design, similar in concept to the Carver or Piaggio MP3. The Smera seats two, but would more accurately be described as a 1+1. The driver can choose to carry either a passenger or luggage, not both. Dual electric 20 hp motors each power the rear wheels directly, there is no mechanical differential. The actual specifications of the machine are rather impressive, with the ability to go 93 miles on a single charge and hit a top-speed of 80 miles per hour. Acceleration is quite acceptable as well, with the 0-60 sprint taking only 8 seconds or so. A 144 volt lithium ion battery pack provides the juice. Apparently, Lumeneo hopes to start selling the Smera next year at an as-yet-undetermined price. We're not holding our breath to see it in the U.S. but will keep you updated on this vehicle as we hear more.
Gallery: Geneva 2008: Lumeneo Smera
[Source: Lumeneo, Jalopnik]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 8:38PM (3/05/2008)
The big issue with this design is that the motors are too powerful and the top speed too high for it to qualify as a quadricycle in Europe. That means it's a car and will have to pass automotive crash tests before it can go on sale - a tall and expensive order for such a light vehicle.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 1:07AM (3/06/2008)
Very interesting! NOW the Ligier class of cars is talking business! Does this mean the vehicle uses hub motors?
Given the prices of cars like the Smart or Mini, I suspect the car qualification part should still be OK....the aluminium spaceframe chassis includes the "crash-box" according to the spec...
150km autonomy... nice! the webpage also says they're currently undergoing road reliability tests and intend to hit the market soon
Nice pick! I had never heard of them, but certainly am awaiting price info as it comes out.
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Guenther 6:49AM (3/06/2008)
this thing looks great for commuting work. Next step will be for employers to put in charge stations.
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MarkR 8:31AM (3/06/2008)
My concern for this type of narrow car, is it looks like it has a fairly high center of gravity and is light. What kind of cross winds can this thing stand? Here in the flat lands of central Texas we often get sustained coastal winds over 15mph with gusts in the 20's and 30's. I've even had the unfortunate luck to ride my bicycle through micro burst. This thing looks like it would tip over if an 18 wheeler passed it going the opposite direction.
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zaedrus 12:17PM (3/06/2008)
What's with the 4th wheel?
Nevermind; COUNT ME IN!
(Thanks for the heads-up on this yesterday rgseidl!)
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Jerry Z 3:26PM (3/06/2008)
Awesome car! Sad that we will never likely see it on US roads, but it is still a very exciting project! In the meantime, though, we have the Zap Xebra (www.zapworld.com) to serve our immediate electric car needs.
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Rick 9:11PM (3/06/2008)
Wow, 80mph to be hit by an SUV? Goodbye. I understnad the smaller size idea, but at least make the car look safe while keeping it small. That should be a little thicker all around.
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TIMMAH! 11:47PM (3/06/2008)
Well the Aptera and Venture Vehicle folks better get to producing then...
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r4nd0mn4me 5:12PM (6/10/2008)
It is nice to see new, interesting and green vehicles coming out, but sad to say this will never make it in the US.
The average North American is too afraid they "will" get into a crash, and will buy the big SUV to "feel" safe. I see this as the guy on a scooter upgrading to year round protection from the weather, not downgrading from a car. And if it is just a bunch of scooters around like it is in many countries, this will be the SUV of scooter land. I like the idea and would buy one if I was not already busy converting my Smart Fortwo into a Smart EV.
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