Michel Zumbrunn
Green Machines: Electric: Just Add Light
April 1, 2007
In 1984, Venturi debuted its first car at the Paris Motor Show. The company, then based in France, subsequently found success with speed–– defeating Porsche and Ferrari in several international GT races. However, in recent years Venturi, bought by a Monégasque and now in Monaco, has set its aim toward a more noble purpose: alternative energy. The Venturi Astrolab is one of three vehicles offered by the automaker––and the first high-performance solar vehicle on the automotive market. The tandem two-seater is powered by recharging nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and nearly 40 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels, yielding a top speed of 75 mph for approximately 70 miles after a full charge. With zero consumption and zero emissions, the Astrolab makes electric cars look wasteful. The Venturi Astrolab is made to order for $120,000. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in January 2008.
Venturi
www.venturi.fr
SPECIFICATIONS:
Price: $120,000
Engine: Electric
Transmission: 1 gear reduction
unit
Power: 21 hp
Torque: 37 ft lbs
Curb weight: 616
pounds
Zero-to-60 mph: Ages
Top speed: 75 mph
Average fuel consumption:
None
Pro: Never stopping to recharge batteries.
Con: Useless during
long Scandinavian winters.
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