A “Clever” way to get around!

3 wheel

It’s been called the “Clever” car, because that’s exactly what it is. This 3-wheeled vehicle looks like something out of a science fiction movie and it almost works like one. The Clever is 3 meters long and 1 meter wide only allowing for 1 driver and a passenger to sit behind. You may think that having only 3 wheels would make it very unstable but there is a hydraulic system that is computer controlled and shifts the center of gravity keeping it from tipping over.

It is also very fuel efficient and has low emissions because it runs off of one cylinder and uses compressed natural gas which produces less emissions. “It costs less to run, is quieter and is less polluting, and this will make it popular with environmentalists,” says Jos Darling from the Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, who was involved with the project. “Making our vehicles smaller is a good solution to the relentless increase in traffic in our towns and cities.”

Then the question arises “is it safe?” The inner cabin is supported by a strengthened aluminum safety frame. The front wheel is also designed to collapse protecting the driver. The exact test results can be found here.

The next prototype will be developed in 2007, costing $11,500 US.

3 wheel

It’s been called the “Clever” car, because that’s exactly what it is. This 3-wheeled vehicle looks like something out of a science fiction movie and it almost works like one. The Clever is 3 meters long and 1 meter wide only allowing for 1 driver and a passenger to sit behind. You may think that having only 3 wheels would make it very unstable but there is a hydraulic system that is computer controlled and shifts the center of gravity keeping it from tipping over.

It is also very fuel efficient and has low emissions because it runs off of one cylinder and uses compressed natural gas which produces less emissions. “It costs less to run, is quieter and is less polluting, and this will make it popular with environmentalists,” says Jos Darling from the Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, who was involved with the project. “Making our vehicles smaller is a good solution to the relentless increase in traffic in our towns and cities.”

Then the question arises “is it safe?” The inner cabin is supported by a strengthened aluminum safety frame. The front wheel is also designed to collapse protecting the driver. The exact test results can be found here.

The next prototype will be developed in 2007, costing $11,500 US.

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