Peugeot unveiled a radical new micro-mini electric car prototype at the Frankfurt auto show on Wednesday, inspired by motorcycle technology. Unlike their iOn sedan, which is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and is definitely slated to go into production, the new, smaller concept car, known as the bb1, is more of a trial-balloon to gauge public response. Jean-Marc-Gales, vice president of PSA Peugeot-Citroen, announced that within six months Peugeot will make a decision on whether to actually put the bb1 into production. "I want to build it," Gales said.
The bb1 is based on a tubular chassis designed by PSA/Peugeot-Citroen subsidiary Peugeot Motorcycles, and if production is approved it will also be built by Peugeot motorcycles.
Amazingly, at just 8'-2" inches long only 1,323 pounds the bb1 can carry four passengers. Two Michelin electric motors located in the rear wheels are powered by dual lithium-ion battery packs located under the rear seats. Peugeot expects a range of 75 miles with a top speed of 56 mph.
"Everything about the bb1 is radically new," Gales said.
[SOURCE: AUTOWEEK]
