Peugeot EX1 Concept

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show Peugeot is unveiling the EX1 Concept, a futuristic two-seater roadster powered by two electric motors with a droplet design inspired by the Asphalte and 20cup concept cars.

To celebrate its 200th anniversary Peugeot has unveiled the EX1 Concept, a high-performance electric roadster.

This futuristic concept is powered by two electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear) with a combined output of 340 hp and is capable of sprinting from standstill to the top speed of 260 km/h in just 6.6 seconds.

The claimed standard cycle range is 280 miles.

The EX1 has compact dimensions (a length of 3,540 mm and a width of 1,774 mm), a sporty stance (the height is just 900 mm) and a water-droplet design, with a rear track of just 840 mm.

The windshield has been replaced by a wind deflector that allows the car to be driven without a helmet.

This architecture - already seen on the Peugeot Asphalte (1996) and 20cup (2005) concept cars - enables to reduce the cabin dimensions for optimal weight distribution and helps limiting the overall weight to just 750 kg.

To present the EX1 Concept, the designers at Peugeot have also created a custom garage that provides an independent recharging station powered by roof mounted solar panels that create electricity stored in a battery.

The EX1 will debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and will be on display at Peugeot Avenue, 136 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Paris until next 14th November 2010.

From the official Press Release:
Exterior Design

Peugeot EX1 ConceptThe pure styling of this two-seater roadster is in keeping with its mechanical design; like a kind of "exoskeleton", it highlights the light-weight nature that has guided the creation of the vehicle.

The body design incorporates the brand's new styling cues, already introduced with the SR1 Concept, with the floating front grille and flowing body contours.

Exterior trims include a C-shaped polished aluminium side door surrounding, a design element similar to those of the RCZ Coupé and the BB1 electric concept.

Technical Features

Peugeot EX1 ConceptThe EX1 concept car is powered by two electric motors, one located at the front and the other at the rear of the vehicle.

The maximum combined peak power is 340 hp while the constant maximum torque is 240 Nm at the front and rear.

This mechanical architecture optimises the vehicles weight distribution while providing a the four wheel drive system.

The monocoque body structure is manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite to optimise weight and rigidity. It also incorporates all of the mounting points for the car's mechanical components.

The suspension consists of a drop link double wishbone arrangement at the front. The rear suspension features a single "swinging arm" linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is connected via a rocker arm to provide a variable damping rate

Interior Design

Peugeot EX1 ConceptThe driver and passenger climb into the passenger compartment through a reverse opening door to gain access to the two sports bucket seats.

This unusual arrangement instantly immerses the occupants in a futuristic and hi-tech environment, as does the on-board instrumentation (instrument panel screens for each occupant showing in particular the vehicle's instantaneous performance) and the chosen materials (e.g. "pure" metals and embossed leather).

The driver, seated at ground level in a driving position similar to a racing car (legs outstretched), drives the vehicle by using two control handles, providing an experience similar to that of an aircraft pilot or when playing a video game.

As well as the presence of safety harnesses inside the car, the occupants are also protected by the height of the carbon passenger cell, which has sufficient overhead clearance to include a roll-over protection bar.

Similarly, the wind deflector allows the car to be driven on a daily basis without a helmet. On racing circuits, where a helmet must be worn, Peugeot Style has teamed up with Ruby helmets to produce two specific helmet designs.

The Garage

Peugeot EX1 ConceptPeugeot designers have created a special "garage" in which the EX1 is presented.

This garage is designed to be an independent recharging station which is free of any "cabling" constraints.

Its roof contains solar panels that use daylight energy to create electricity which is then stored in a "storage" battery, ready to recharge the EX1 when required.

A battery charger adapted to operate on a range of renewable energy sources is also available.

(Source: Peugeot)