Despite being the wealthiest consumer segment and with demographics worldwide showing them to be a growing not a shrinking market, vehicle manufacturers have yet to design a car specifically tailored to the needs and aspirations of older drivers. Their focus instead has been on the newly-developing markets in China, India South America and countries of the former Eastern European block, not this significant age-group segment.
A three-wheeled, eco-friendly electric car aimed at senior citizens or wheelchair users.
Manufactured from 100 per cent recycled and recyclable material, the ePod is a three-wheeled vehicle with easy single-door access from the front. This compact urban car can be manufactured in either a single or double seat formation and exploits drive-by-wire technology to allow wheelchair users and others to select their preferred driving position. ePod can park sideways in all parking bays.
This ergonomic concept is based on available benchmark-setting technology - the chassis is formed of extruded aluminum, it has a single-Hub motor, single swing-arm suspension and a top speed of 70mph (electronically limited) going from 0-30 in 2.9 seconds. and 0-60 in 9.5 seconds. ePod runs on Lithium Ion batteries and should be capable of an average range of 150 -200 miles between charges. As such it is 100 per cent eco-friendly with zero emissions and a zero carbon footprint and thus not subject to road tax or the congestion charge.
The design team envisage that it could be provided under a competitive finance or leasing scheme of £30 per week based on the Motability model.
