Hotzi Electric Car Can Travel 200 Miles On a Charge

The Swiss engineering firm Kruspan Engineering has modified the Hotzenblitz electric minicar to run on a lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery pack. Treffpunkt Zukunft in Germany has built about a thousand of its tiny electric cars since 1993, along with 130 of its latest model that's known as the e-mobile since 2002.

LiPo batteries from Korean-based Kokam replace the lead-acid gel battery pack originally used in the Hotzenblitz. This increases the car's single-charge range from its original 55 miles up to nearly 250 miles. During demonstrations in the Swiss mountains, a LiPo battery-powered Hotzenblitz traveled 350 mile on a single charge.

The latest Hotzenblitz, or "Hotzi," has a top speed of just over 80 mph or so depending on the motor drive system installed. Because the LiPo batteries weigh less than the originals at about 600 pounds and the battery voltage is higher at 185 volts, the modified mini electric car also has better acceleration and overall energy consumption efficiency. The new 39 kWh battery pack can be recharged overnight, requiring 13 hours for a full charge from the standard 230 volt AC plugs that are common in Europe.

The e-mobile is a versatile design because of its changeable back end. In passenger carrying form it can be a 2+2 configuration with the +2 sitting in the open, under a canvas top, or enclosed by a detachable hardtop. Visibility is especially noteworthy. Commercial versions include a pickup and small panel delivery truck with total payload capacities of 660 pounds. The basic vehicle itself weighs 1700 pounds.

Construction consists of body panels made of ABS plastic mounted on a tubular aluminum space frame. This sturdy design has been successfully crashed tested in Europe. Treffpunkt Zukunft is now working on a hybrid version with a 375 mile range. This variant could use either a gasoline or diesel engine.