ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE DESIGN

In 1994, the Eco-Vehicle Project was begun to develop an electric vehi cle (EV)) using a ground-up design approach that incorporates unique d esigns specific to an EV. The Eco-Vehicle will be a high-performance, but ultrasmall, battery powered vehicle. New designs for the Eco-Vehic le include an in-wheel motor drive system, a hollow load floor which w ill house the batteries, and a nem battery management system, The Eeo- Vehicle may also utilize other advanced concepts suitable especially f or EV's, including solar panels For battery charging and intelligent c rash avoidance and guidance systems.