05 Nov 09 14:27
Peugeot BB1 in London
Peugeot has unveiled its BB1 all-electric city car at an exclusive London bash, before going on display in Covent Garden on the 7/8 November.
First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the BB1 is just 2.5m long, yet seats four people and does away with the usual steering wheel and peddles for a motorcycle handlebar.
Peugeot says it is touring the concept to gauge interest on whether or not the BB1 should be put into production as early as 2012.
Boasting a range of up to 75 miles the carbon fibre-bodied BB1 has a tiny 3.5m turning circle and is small enough to park head-on to the pavement, Smart Fortwo-style. Weighing in at only 560kg including batteries, it's good for 0-19mph in 2.8 seconds and 19-37mph in 4 seconds.
Underneath the BB1's lightweight skin is a tubular structure developed by Peugeot Motorcycles. Two lithium-ion battery packs power a pair of motors sited in each of the Michelin-developed rear wheels, with a total 15kW (20bhp) output.
High-tech features include all-LED front headlights, rear-view cameras (in place of door mirrors), internet access, sat nav, phone connection and MP3 inputs. And the BB1's eco-credentials are enhanced further by its solar panels, which collect energy to power the ventilation and cabin air filter systems, reducing the demands on the batteries.
