A Hummer that ‘has been designed to give back to the environment’ beat off competition to win this year’s design challenge. Looking slightly like a moon-buggy, the car has monster wheels holding a body which can be opened at all sides simultaneously.
‘Powered by a fuel cell, this Hummer "breathes" through a revolutionary phototropic body shell that produced pure oxygen throughout the lifespan of the vehicle. The algae-filled body panels transofm harmful CO2 into pure oxygen that is subsequently released back into the environment.’
For a car to emit gases that help rather than harm the environment is most definitely a good idea, though what we have a problem with is the fact that it is still a Hummer. Why such a big car? Surely the automotive industry should be doing more to change public perception of what is needed to drive- why not show how small cars can be safe too? And more efficient, whatever they’re run on.
All the designs entered focused around environmentally friendly design, from Mercedes-Benz Recy which is made from 100% recyclable materials (wood, alloys, glass and rubber) to Audi’s Dynamic Space Frame which offset the resources used for the concept by purchasing domestic wind power and planting new trees. Most talk about a five-year lifecycle for the car- especially the Mini Biomoke whose biodegradable sandwich paneling integrated with palm tree seeds will compost after such a time.
Several companies offered changeable recyclable panels within their design ideas, enabling maximum customisation- The information from the Kia Sandstorm describes how ‘Eco-fashionistas can easily recycle the Polyethylene Terephthalate panels for a new look’, while the Honda Extreme features ‘a honeycomb chassis made from polycarbonate that can accommodate varuous body styles. This allows the owner the ability to change the body panels easily.’
However, the most interesting design aspect for the future has to be the Toyota RLV’s use of foot pedals. The idea is to switch from engine to foot power during heavy traffic or on the boardwalk, sidewalk or beach- ‘producing zero emissions while promoting LA’s fitness lifestyle’. Whilst it may sound funny and Flinstones-esque, with the increasingly widespread adoption of cycling as a main mode of transportation, a car/bike hybrid may well be the way forward- better for you and for the environment, what’s not to love?
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