On the heels of demand for more efficient, more compact, motor vehicles, researchers have created the first ‘foldable’ car. Of course, this isn’t a vehicle that can be stashed in a backpack or toted off by hand, but a car that folds inward, saving space in already cramped areas.
This is achieved by placing all-electric engines within the wheels themselves, eliminating the need to have an engine fixed to the chassis. Coupled with a front opening hatch as a door, the car folds up and sits neatly with three cars in a standard parking space.
The ‘Hiriko’ is expected to being production next year in the Basque region of Spain – aiming for a widespread launch all over Europe shortly thereafter. Those hoping for a cheap mode of transportation might be disappointed. The retail price is an estimated 12,500 euros – roughly $16,500 dollars – which lends to the idea that this vehicle might be better used in a city-sponsored car sharing program.
Read more at MSNBC.com
About Ryan Almodovar
