Electric Three Wheeler Leans into Turns

California-based Pursu Mobility, a company formerly known as Venture Vehicles, points out that over the next two decades 80 percent of the world’s population growth will be in the top 20 urban markets. The company’s answer: an all-new, urban-focused solution it terms an Urban Life Vehicle (ULV), illustrated by its three-wheel Pursu Hybrid car concept. As noted by the photos here, it’s a rather unconventional approach.

Three wheels and a futuristic design aren’t the only things that distinguish the Pursu Hybrid from the crowd. This vehicle uses Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) technology licensed from the Dutch company Carver Engineering. The hydro-mechanical DVC tilting system matches vehicle tilt to steering input and vehicle speed, literally enabling the three-wheel vehicle to lean into turns at higher speeds and use G-forces to best advantage for great performance and handling.

Drivers who have experienced this in developmental DVC vehicles say the feeling is exhilarating. In fact, Pursu Mobility’s ‘www.flytheroad.com’ website reinforces that the experience is something more akin to flying a vehicle at ground level rather than driving.

The company says it is aiming at a vehicle with an all-electric range of at least 20 miles and an overall 75 mpg fuel economy, with a six gallon tank providing 400 miles of driving. Design parameters include a 140 inch length over a 110 inch wheelbase, 51 inch width, 56 inch height, and curb weight of less than 1500 pounds.

Pursu Mobility isn’t a nickel-and-dime operation. In fact, the four year old company received $6 million in venture capital about 18 months ago and says it has a talented team in place with proven automotive engineering, technology, and marketing expertise. It will need that to buck the long-established trends in the automotive market that favor four wheels and two- or three-row, side-by-side seating…with occupant orientation that remains reassuringly parallel to the ground.

Fully enclosed three wheel vehicles like the Pursu Hybrid are classified by federal regulations as motorcycles. Since state laws dictate helmet requirements rather than the federal government, the company expects that states will come around to the viewpoint that helmets are not required in such a configuration. It’s already that way in California, which is why Pursu Mobility says it will market its cars there first, when the time comes.

And when will that time come? Those who want one of these will have to be patient. The company is currently flying under the radar as it develops its concept into reality and has little to say, other than it’s aiming at a launch sometime in 2010. A dedicated group of enthusiasts shares thoughts on the technology and keeps track of the company’s progress at www.flytheroadclub.com.