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Armadillo-T Folding Electric Car Unveiled By Korean University
Cars that fold up, to reduce the space they occupy when parked, are not new. The latest attempt comes from a research group from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Its called Armadillo-T, an electric car design inspired by armadillos.
The research group led by Associate Professor of the Graduate School for Green Transportation at KAIST looked towards an armadillo for inspiration. These are small mammals which have a defence mechanism that involves rolling their body into a ball, with the body protected by a leathery armour. Armadillo-T uses a similar mechanism to fold its body.
Armadillo-T's space saving folding mechanism
Armadillo-T measures 2.8 meters in length, but when the rear half folds upon itself the length is almost halved, to 1.65 meter. The micro electric car can transport two passengers, including the driver, making it relevant for use in congested urban areas with parking problems.
Smartphone control
Once a parking space is found the occupants get out and use a smartphone app to remotely fold the car. If the car is not properly positioned to fit in a gap it can be turned 360 degrees on its wheels, all using a smartphone.
Super fast charging time
The micro electric car is powered by a 13.6 kWh battery pack which powers four electric motors turning individual wheels. The vehicle weighs just 450 kg. The car has a top speed of 60 km/h. But the best part is the recharge time. During fast charging, just 10 minutes of charging delivers an impressive range of 100 km.
Furthermore, the micro electric car comes with a few useful electronics such as the use of cameras to feed live videos from outside the car to a screen on the dashboard, taking the place of outside rear view mirrors.
Armadillo-T micro electric car can fold almost half its body length, making it easier to park.
With fast charging, 10 minutes of charge will give the Armadillo-T a range of 100 kms
Armadillo-T can be remotely folded using smartphones. The car comes with cameras to feed outside video inside the car, eliminating the need for ORVMs
Watch the Armadillo-T micro electric car fold up and get parked in the demonstration video.
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