The transport system of the future
There is an increasing awareness of the rising levels of vehicles on the road resulting in spiralling CO2 emissions which are highly detrimental to the environment and to public health and safety. Now, a consortium of international companies and research institutes has turned its attention to improving this situation. The CLEVER project concerned itself with the design of a new compact, low emission vehicle which uses natural gas. Its design allows for the possibility of refuelling at home, and has low aerodynamic drag and lightweight construction. It is a car which respects the environment by emitting low levels of exhaust fumes and noise. Furthermore, it has safety features compatible with other high-end market cars. The project partners have named its new vehicle "CLEVER" and it has now undergone stringent tests and appraisals. Two prototype model vehicles scale 1:4 have been constructed. The first is able to check the CAD datas of the outside surfaces and the second is a frame model including wheels, suspension, seats and frame brackets. This in effect is the show vehicle used for exhibitions and events and has fully functional electrical devices, headlights, rear lights dashboard and signal-horn. This vehicle provides the possibility to effectively utilise available road space and so provides a solution to the problem of how to reduce traffic and pollution in urban areas. Project partners claim that wide-scale introduction of these vehicles creates an ecologically justifiable transport system for the future. The integration of this system into existing transportation chains can contribute to the solution of major problems of modern society. These include the rising needs of mobility, the excessive use of conventional motorised private vehicles, air pollution, and the inefficient utilisation of resources.
