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The Future in Motion: From Cars Based on Fish to Turbocharged Bikes
Named after Michelin’s rubber man “Bibendum,” Michelin’s eighth “Challenge Bibendum,” a global event aimed at promoting clean technologies in the automobile industry, was recently held in its home territory of Paris, France. The event was especially poignant given that just weeks before, Edouard Michelin, the company’s 42-year-old CEO and the powerhouse behind Challenge Bibendum, died tragically in a boating accident. It was nostalgic yet fitting that the Bibendum returned to Paris this year after spending past seasons abroad in Los Angeles, Heidelberg, San Francisco, Shanghai and Kyoto.
The Challenge Bibendum is an international summit designed to provide a real world competition of advanced technology vehicles; offering automotive performance measures in terms of energy efficiency, emissions, noise, acceleration and handling.
 The primary concern? Currently, 60% of oil consumed is for worldwide transportation. By 2030, the total number of vehicles on the roads could double. The summit takes a leading role turning innovative thinking and initiative into reality. The Challenge Bibendum is internationally recognized as the world’s premier event in support of sustainable road mobility.
Following is a round up of some energy efficient rides that caught our eye:
Mercedes-Benz Bionic Car
Mercedes’ first bionic car, known as the “Fish Car,” is designed entirely on the principles of nature. The aim was to create an aerodynamic, safe, spacious and environment-friendly vehicle for everyday use. Mercedes-Benz engineers examined a number of animals with strong aerodynamic qualities such as sharks, penguins, dolphins, turtles and beetles. The boxfish, which has a drag coefficient of 0.06, was the prototype for the bionic car. Due to the turbulent currents in coral reefs, the boxfish has evolved into a shape of self-correcting hydrodynamic stability - in the end what every car manufacturer wants.
The Fish Car has an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.19, which positions the bionic car among the world’s most aerodynamic vehicles.
 Design elements include a panoramic windshield composed of triangle shapes and an integrated glass roof, flush exterior door handles that extend outward electronically when touched, xenon headlights, LED side indicators and taillights, and rear-view cameras that replace conventional exterior mirrors.
The soul of Mercedes’ bionic car is its 140-horsepower 2-liter diesel engine with estimated combined city and highway fuel economy of 70 mpg. The engine is super clean due to an advanced catalytic converter system. The technology uses a urea solution sprayed into the exhaust system that converts nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water.
ZENN Zero Emissions No Noise
Toronto-based Feel Good Cars showed the ZENN Zero Emissions No Noise electric vehicle. The two-seat, three-door hatchback “luxury neighborhood” ZENN was awarded the competition’s gold medal in the Urban Vehicle Category. The tiny 1,200 pound ZENN reaches top speeds of 25 mph.
 Electric Bicycles
Electric bicycles are becoming more popular in dense areas where congestion slows movement, especially in Europe. These electron-supported bicycles make pedaling easier for the rider, providing a “pull” on the down stroke that reduces the need for their input. U.S. buyers may be tougher to convince, as the geography here is vast and bicycles are largely viewed as recreational vehicles. I loved testing these bikes—especially the ones that were turbocharged. The good news is that Matra Manufacturing & Services has developed the electric bicycle I-Step that is coming to the U.S. next summer. It comes equipped with a removable battery that will travel 15 to 43 miles.
OSCAR
Design is the most striking aspect of the OSCAR (Open Source Car). AKASOL calls the OSCAR a “space miracle,” claiming a basketball player could fit in the rear seat. We don’t know about that, but the shape of this vehicle-- rounded body and upright glass-enclosed cabin with one seat in front and another one in back -- is very efficient. The brushed aluminum frame is very modern in design. A large metal-hydride nickel battery sits low in the middle of the chassis and a center-mounted steering wheel clears the way for interior space.
 Madame Courreges’ Autos
Courreges has been interested in human beings and the world around them since its creation as a Couturier. Madame Coqueline Courreges, wife of the famous 1960s fashion designer Andre Courreges, has turned her attention to the design of electric vehicles. First submitting her “bubble” car at the 2003 Sonoma, California Challenge Bibendum, Madame Courreges has exhibited a consistent commitment to a future based on electric propulsion. A relationship with AC Propulsion in San Dimas, California has allowed Courreges to execute her innovative designs atop robust, fun-looking and reliable platforms. Her work this year is stylistically “space-age,” again embracing the bubble/egg shape. The ZOOOP, a three seater, rides on yellow tires that match the transparent dome covering the cabin and uses lithium polymer batteries. The tires, by the way, were Courreges’ way of making the car a standout on a gray freeway. Her next project? Solar energy.
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