MIT’s Radical EV Concept

The Smart Cities group of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Laboratory is collaborating with architect Frank O. Gehry and General Motors to develop a radical concept car, which will use an external frame with a suspended passenger compartment and electric motors within four wheel hubs.

Chief among the car's innovations is the digital communication between the car and the city in which it is driving. Systems such as Global Satellite Positioning (GPS) and electronic transmitters would alert driving cars to the nearest open parking space. Onboard systems could also warn the driver about road construction or congested traffic.

The idea behind all the electronic wizardry is to eliminate wasteful driving, thus reducing pollution and fuel consumption. The project aims to present a GM-built prototype in 2006.