Smart are pushing the boundaries of what can be expected in a zero-emission car with their new Smart Forvision. Yet another vehicle that will be debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will showcase a number of interesting technologies aimed at being as energy efficient as possible.
Smart Forvision offers smart, efficient technology
On the roof of the Smart Forvision are hexagonal transparent areas which are covered in transparent solar cells. These cells are based on organic dyes which are light-activated. These cells generate enough solar-power to power the multimedia components of the car and the three fans which assist in maintaining the climate management of the interior. There are also transparent OLEDs under the solar cells which automatically turn on and illuminate the interior when the door is opened. During the day these OLEDs result in a glass-roof effect.
Lightweight Construction
Another vital element of the Smart Forvision is the use of lightweight materials to ensure an ultra-lightweight car to further increase its efficiency. The wheels are all-plastic, which is the first of its kind and results in a weight reduction of 3kg per wheel. The plastic used in the wheels contains long reinforcing fibres which improve the mechanical properties and give the wheels excellent thermal and chemical stability as well as dynamic strength and toughness. The doors are made of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin, which has also helped with weight reduction.
Unique Interior
The Smart Forvision maintains temperature control in the car through a number of innovative technologies. E-textiles have been used on the seats in place of conventional seat heating; these textiles heat the body in the middle and lower back specifically. The same technology is used in the armrests of the doors. The foam used in the seats is around 20% lighter than other materials and allows for different degrees of hardiness in different areas of the seat.
The temperature is further managed by ensuring that heat stays on the outside of the vehicle, as maintaining an air-conditioned car uses a lot of energy. The windscreen and side windows have a heat shield with an infrared-reflective film on them which protects the interior of the car from heating up. Because it only reflects the infrared rays of the sun, radio waves needed for GPS devices and Bluetooth are not affected. The doors have high-performance foam fitted into the body panels which keeps the car cool in summer, as well as insulating it against cold temperatures in the winter.
The Smart Forvision is already looking very impressive, look for more information on this car as it becomes available.
