Photo: afp.com/Georges Gobet
The Hiriko Fold folding electric vehicle, one of the more interesting additions to the world of EVs, is set to go into production in the spring of 2013. The production version of the EV will be revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The Fold’s party piece is its folding mechanism, which reduces the wheelbase, making the car both more compact and easier to maneuver (and maneuver around), and is about eight inches shorter than a Smart ForTwo. The car actually hinges in the middle, by up to an impressive 60 degrees.
Performance-wise, it has a range of around 110 km (75 miles), and its 20 hp electric motor can push the car up to a limited top speed of 31 mph or 50 km/h. Its battery can reportedly be charged, using a quick charger, in just 15 minutes.
The Fold is destined primarily for the congested cities of Europe, but there is a chance it could be included into car-sharing schemes in the US, as well - San Francisco and Boston have already expressed their interest.
Performance-wise, it has a range of around 110 km (75 miles), and its 20 hp electric motor can push the car up to a limited top speed of 31 mph or 50 km/h. Its battery can reportedly be charged, using a quick charger, in just 15 minutes.
The Fold is destined primarily for the congested cities of Europe, but there is a chance it could be included into car-sharing schemes in the US, as well - San Francisco and Boston have already expressed their interest.
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