Rinspeed iChange – Adaptive Energy Concept to Debut at Geneva

Green cars are the future of the auto industry, that's for sure. But some engineers go even beyond that and, starting with the same idea of developing a green car that produces zero emissions, they design, let's say, appealing models that may look like the best way to fundamentally change the industry. At least, this is how they seem at first glance. The best example of such a revolutionary concept will be displayed next month at the Geneva Motor Show and will be called iChange.

While the title and the iChange nickname may give you a hint about what this car's main idea is, let us details it a little bit. First of all, this “clever concept car”, as it's named by its developers, was especially designed to produce zero emissions with very low energy consumption but without neglecting engine performance.

It may sound impossible at the first glance but the Swiss auto powerhouse Rinspeed said it did it. In essence, iChange changes its profile depending on the number of on-board passengers. Because the car is actually an one-seater vehicle, let's assume you're the only passenger of the car. Thanks to its low weight of only 1,050 kilograms, the car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4 seconds. Top speed? 220 km/h, according to the engineers who developed the concept.

The car is equipped with a full-electric engine powered by lithium-ion batteries available in two configurations: for short and for long distances. The engine produces a maximum power of 150 kW (around 200 horsepower) and is mated to a six-speed pre-selector gearbox sourced from the Subaru WRX car. Other features include lightweight 17- and 18-inch forged wheels with aerodynamic shrouds provided by AEZ and Pirelli P Zero 215/40-17 in front and 245/40-18 in back tires.

Being an one-seater vehicle isn't too attractive these days, so what's the catch? Well, by pressing a single button on the dashboard, the rear end of the car pops up and suddenly creates enough room for three. Sounds amazing, isn't it?

And the best thing of all is that you won't need a wall socket to recharge the batteries because the car features solar panels on the top and sides of the roof that restore the batteries and, more importantly, it powers a number of systems during summers, such as air conditioning.