from ocean to road, GAC adds plastic, seaweed & bio-based materials to hydrogen ERA car

GAC unveils real-life model of hydrogen ERA concept car

On November 17th, 2023, GAC unveiled the real-life model of its hydrogen ERA concept car at the Guangzhou Auto Show. A crossover between a four-wheel drive and an SUV, the hydrogen concept car design employs upcycled materials for the exterior of the vehicle. The body of GAC’s ERA is designed with an aerodynamic kit made from marine recycled plastic, seaweed, and bio-based materials and is contoured to create often-edgy lines around the overall aesthetics of the hydrogen concept car.

Looking at ERA’s front fascia, headlights, sensors, and cameras are integrated into a full-width light band, which is styled into a geometric pattern to help dissipate heat coming off the vehicle. So far, the vehicle features hydrogen fuel cells and 200kw distributed motors on the rear axle, helping it deliver 540 horsepower, an 800-kilometer range, and zero emissions. 

bio-based mycelium leather for interior

Glancing inside GAC’s hydrogen ERA concept car, the use of alternative materials emerges again. The design team employs bio-based mycelium leather for its seating and furnishings, joining the color scheme that transitions from sunrise orange to sunset purple. Visible elliptical curves denote the interior design too, and welcoming lights bathe the inside even before the driver steps into the car.

The doors of the hydrogen concept car should be spotlighted. When the driver approaches GAC’s ERA, its doors swing outward toward different directions: the passengers’ to their left, and the driver’s to their right, suggesting a clam-like entryway for all of them. For specs buff, the hydrogen concept car is expected to offer spacious interiors within its 5,413mm in length and 3,132mm wheelbase, while maintaining a minimum ground clearance of 244mm.

Reversible seats in GAC’s hydrogen ERA concept car

The seating design of GAC’s hydrogen ERA concept car displays versatility. When traveling with a group, the front seats can rotate to face the rear, so the driver and front passenger can sit face-to-face with the people in the back. The rear seats are equipped with foldable extensions that serve as leg rests to make the passengers feel as if they were being pampered in a spa, but the setup can also double as additional seating.

The central console can also be converted into a tabletop by pulling it up, setting the stage for a socializing scene for up to six people. When the users want to take breaks from their trips, the rear armrest unfolds into a tea table, and GAC’s design team says that this can allow passengers to either recline or sit, engage in conversation, or simply enjoy the view. As of publishing the story, GAC has debuted the hydrogen ERA concept car and shown its real-life model at the Guangzhou Auto Show with a production date that is still up in the air.

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project info:

name: ERA

company: GAC

event: Guangzhou Auto Show