[Analyst]

The Bejing Autoshow is just around the corner. Chinese giant SAIC will show a concept car called "Ye Zi" (叶子), which means literally "Leaf". This car that doesn't have zero emissions, but "negative" emissions. Powered by solar, wind and other renewable energy sources, it is also capable of producing energy by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), in a process inspired by natural photosynthesis.



The car's roof is shaped like a giant leaf, which is where it gets energy from the sun. The photovoltaic units on the leaf are capable of adjusting their position to maximize engergy capture efficiency.

The small wind turbines on the four wheels give the car extra power through wind energy conversion.



The Leaf's CO2 absorbing body has metal-organic framework (MOFs), which imitate the photosynthetic process in plants, by absorbing CO2 and water to generate an electric current and Oxygen. So this car would not only be a zero emissions car, but a "negative emissions" car that cleans the air.

Source & More pics: http://www.autohome.com.cn/news/201004/105924.html

 

[Rally Red Lancer GTS]

Re: Leaf: The "negative emissions" concept

Both fascinating and heartwarming. The old Detroit metal way of pollution is old-school and dated. This type of idea is where we all ought to head and want others to head, also.

 

[daewoo-chevrolet]

Re: Leaf: The "negative emissions" concept

Roewe will introduce its first electric concept car at Auto China 2010, Beijing, the Roewe E1:

Vehicle curb mass: 1040 kg
Driving range: ≥ 135km
Maximum speed: 120km / h
Acceleration (0-50km / h): ≤ 5.5s
Acceleration (0-80km / h): ≤ 10s
Acceleration (0-100km / h): ≤ 16s
100km power consumption: ≤ 12kwh
Maximum climbing degree: 20%
Security level: C-NCAP 4 stars
Power Battery: 16 kwh lithium iron phosphate battery
Drive motor: 47/28 kw permanent magnet synchronous motor drive

Source: http://www.autohome.com.cn/news/201004/107544.html

 

[jmsteiny]

:thumb: Now THIS has some real potential - highway capable, and enough distance for 40-50km commutes one way (100km round trip). What is ALSO impressive is 4 star crash ratings..........what are you waiting for Roewe? Build it, and they will come!!

 

[green car driver]

The first concept, the Leaf, is a complete joke. I doubt its solar cells would produce more than 60 watts at midday, and we shall avoid talking about safety issues...

The second one at least looks like a real car. The frontal area seems a bit massive, but you could get used to it. I wonder who is the manufacturer of the battery. But the real question is about the nature of this car: is it only a showcar or will it be followed by a production model?

 

[Rally Red Lancer GTS]

Great questions, green car driver. I like this car as well. Build it!

 

[dragin]

The first concept, the Leaf, is a complete joke......

But SAIC doesn't really care, as long as that "joke" generates traffic and gets lots of attention at the car show. That's really its only purpose.

 

[Rally Red Lancer GTS]

That's pitiful, dragin. They ought to have more balls than that. Fo-Mo-Co has more balls in one testicle than all of SAIC, then. I'm heading back to American manufacturing for automobiles. Like Ford.

 

[Windy]

The first concept, the Leaf, is a complete joke. I doubt its solar cells would produce more than 60 watts at midday...

The solar cells will produce enough to run the clock and alarm system so that the battery can be sized to start the car instead of sized to run all the electrics for 4 weeks while its parked up due to the owner being on holiday - a saving of around 6Kg in weight

It is only a concept though, the solar panels on the E1 are more useful since that is going to be produced.

(of course on an electric car, you dont need much battery for starting the engine!)

 

[daewoo-chevrolet]

Roewe E1 live @ Auto China Beijing:

14 live photos: http://car.autohome.com.cn/exps15/1590001.html