The old bamboo

A Japanese designer has developed a battery powered vehicle that features bodywork, seating and floor made from bamboo. The vehicle offers a 50km range and is reputed to weigh just 60kg (it is not clear if this includes battery weight although it seems unlikely). The diminutive single seater also has bodywork that is 100% biodegradable. Crash testing results have not been announced for the vehicle so far, although bamboo's flexibility means that it may well offer good shock absorbing properties. However dri
July 6, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A Japanese designer has developed a battery powered vehicle that features bodywork, seating and floor made from bamboo. The vehicle offers a 50km range and is reputed to weigh just 60kg (it is not clear if this includes battery weight although it seems unlikely). The diminutive single seater also has bodywork that is 100% biodegradable. Crash testing results have not been announced for the vehicle so far, although bamboo's flexibility means that it may well offer good shock absorbing properties. However drivers are likely to require eye protection, as bamboo tends to splinter under high-stress impact loads. Wet weather gear would also be required should the forecast predict rain as the bodywork is full of holes. No seatbelts have been fitted to the demonstration vehicle although environmentally-friendly options for woven raffia palm or hemp seatbelts could be developed to suit. No ashtrays have been fitted and the vehicle is not suitable for use by smokers.

Related Content

  • Dual speed control for the V-Maxx G2 hopper spreader from SnowEx
    November 7, 2017
    SnowEx’s latest hopper spreader, the V-Maxx G2, for ice control applications includes a dual variable-speed control more compact than on previous models. The manufacturers says that the digital, self-diagnosing control unit allows independent adjustment of spinner and auger speeds, while convenient buttons offer easy control of the standard vibrator and optional accessories. It includes an auto reverse function to easily clear auger jams. The control requires only a single four-pin wire to enter the cab,
    Read More
  • Study highlights weather effects on traffic
    July 9, 2012
    Extreme weather conditions cost the EU’s transport system at least €15 billion/year. This is the result of a study carried out by the Finnish VTT Technical Research Centre. The study reveals that the greatest costs incurred are from road accidents, with the associated material and psychological effects. Costs arising from accidents are expected to decrease in volume, although time-related costs attributable to delays are projected to increase. In part, this last effect is due to climate change, which has an
    Read More
  • Epic demolition work for Epiroc in Germany
    November 30, 2023
    A demolition firm in Germany has made good use of hydraulic breakers from Epiroc.
    Read More
  • Innovative asphalt paver advances for 2015
    April 8, 2015
    Pressure on asphalt paver manufacturers to develop new and more efficient machines is bringing results - Mike Woof writes. For all the key manufacturers in the asphalt paving segment, pressure is being brought to bear with regard to the development of new and more efficient machines. Both for US and European style of pavers, incremental improvements are being seen in machines. In keeping with regulations for Europe and North America, many of the new generation machines are now being powered by the latest lo
    Read More

Highlighted Content