The Morgan LifeCar is a concept car due to be launched at the Geneva Show in March 2008. According to the makers, the LifeCar's purpose is to demonstrate that a zero emission vehicle can also be fun to drive. The project is a collaboration between Oscar Automotive, Cranfield University, QinetiQ, Oxford University, Linde AG and Morgan Motor Company.
"The combination of performance, range and fuel economy will allow a sporting driver of the future to demonstrate a concern for the environment. Going far beyond the incremental adaptation of traditional car designs as seen in current hybrid vehicles, it will demonstrate that a new step in vehicle architecture is enabled by the use of a fuel cell hybrid power train. The approach is one of whole system design in which the architecture is generated from the characteristics of the fuel cell, in a light-weight vehicle coupled with a high hybridization level. This combination will minimise the fuel cell cost and provide the fuel economy for a 200 mile range."
Implications - With eco-friendly vehicles more common than ever, environmentally conscious consumers are happier than ever. The less eco-conscious consumers, however, have yet to be sold on the idea; thus, companies are incorporating elements of fun and speed in hopes of converting average adults into eco activists.
Environmental Cars Can Be Super Awesome Too
LifeCar
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Vehicles - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop eco-friendly vehicles that incorporate elements of fun and speed to appeal to less eco-conscious consumers.
2. Zero Emission Vehicles - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create zero emission vehicles that demonstrate a concern for the environment and offer performance, range, and fuel economy.
3. Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Train - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design fuel cell hybrid power trains that enable a new step in vehicle architecture and minimize fuel cell cost while providing an extended range.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate in the automotive industry by developing and manufacturing eco-friendly vehicles with advanced technologies.
2. Technology Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Drive innovation in the technology industry by developing fuel cell hybrid power trains and other sustainable solutions for vehicles.
3. Consumer Goods Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the consumer goods industry by creating zero emission vehicles that combine eco-friendliness with fun and speed to target a wider consumer base.