world’s first folding electric car by hiriko motors

world’s first folding electric car by hiriko motors

developed as an innovative solution for means of alternative transportation, the hiriko folding electric vehicle provides new meaning to urban mobility. the concept automoblile bridges the relationship between the city and its inhabitants by accommodating easy and accessible driving solutions within a busy metropolitan area.

in a collaboration between MIT‘s changing places, denokinn basque center for innovation and afypaida, the design caters to an environment that promotes more social, sustainable and smarter cities. the small commuter car integrates a 20 horsepower electric motor, controlled by a drive-by-wire system, where it achieves a range of 120 km (75 miles) with a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). each wheel contains a separate drive motor, steering, braking, and suspension system, allowing its body to collapse into two separate units for tight parking spaces.

see designboom’s original coverage during the prototyping stages of the model here.

front view of the hiriko folding electric car

rear view of the hiriko folding electric car

the hiriko electric car collapsing

3/4 rear view of the hiriko folding electric car before collapsing

scale and proporting

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