Published April 19, 2012
By Huw Evans
They do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and from feedback we’ve been noticing on the Web, more people seem to like the looks of this vehicle than not.
It’s called the SIM-WIL and it’s the brainchild of Japanese EV startup SIM-Drive. As a B-segment sized car, it’s the second project to emerge from the company and uses a 35.1-kw battery that will reportedly propel the SIM-WIL a distance of 218 miles before recharging is required.
In addition, once the Panasonic-supplied battery pack is depleted, SIM-Drive says it takes 12 hours to recharge it to full capacity, using a 200-volt charging unit. Further, the SIM-WIL reportedly has a top speed of 110 mph (180 kph), aided by its relatively bantam by EV standards 3,100 pound approximate curb weight.
Developed in conjunction with some 30 other companies, SIM-Drive says it’s planning to have a commercial version of this platform ready by 2014, although at this stage there’s no indication on price or actual availability.
If it does indeed materialize, is this something you might consider if it became available here in the U.S.? Is it a looker? Or the ugliest thing on wheels since the Aztek? As always, we’re interested to hear your thoughts.
Cleantechnica