Technology
Materials
Natural fibres propose a good opportunity for sustainable product development. Already they are used in the automotive industry, but because of high requirements on constant quality it is only used for non structural parts. Next to this, current production facilities are not equipped for the handling of these materials.
Still, Flax based RTM is a stiff and leightweigt material that can be manufactured relatively cheap. According to this research of TUD-TNO, controlling the preproduction processes will deminish the problems.
Because of the marketing program attached to the Bowser project, the demands for structural materials are much lower than those of current automobiles. The Bowser is expected back in the factory within three years or 100.000 Km. This means that a bodypart can collapse after that time.
This solution creates a new view on cars as a product. We expect cars to be expensive and to last for 20 years. Why? With Bowser you will have a new car every two year, without exausting natural resources (the production of Flax actually takes CO2 from the air).
Tweels and in-wheel engines
The tires used in this concept were developed by Michelin and, together with the development of in-wheel electric engines, illustrate a new direction in wheel design. Wheels become larger in diameter while the rim stays about the same size. This is in order to be able to damp the weight of the engine enough to keep up to the current level of comfort.
The in-wheel engine technology development is aimed at decreasing size and weight of the electric motors. Michelin has already been able to fit a full suspension-engine package inside a wheel. For this they used a water cooled high rev. engine.
For this concept this could be a good solution for the front wheels. While the rear wheels will incorporate the larger engines and needs its suspension displayed for aesthetic purposes. The rear wheels are steering in order to create sufficient interior space inside the teardrop shape.