Green Cars of the Future: 13 Crazy Eco Vehicles

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Aside from small cosmetic changes, cars really haven’t changed all that much in the past 60 years, and we’re nowhere near the ultra-futuristic vehicles that previous generations thought we’d have by now. But that might be about to change radically, especially with advances in renewable energy technologies. These 13 low-emissions, energy-efficient car designs represent both amazing visions of the future (perhaps too wild to ever actually be reality) and vehicles that are actually set to hit the roads within a few years.

Solar-Powered Renault Kidma

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(images via: auto motto)

While it’s parked, the Renault Kidma charges up its battery using energy from the sun. The blue rings around the exterior of this solar-powered vehicle actually shift to cool down the interior. It’s skinned in a nano-material that can change color according to the riders’ whim, with the touch of a button. The car is guided by a GPS system. Designed by Thomas Felix, the Kidma is super-compact, making it ideal for rental in big cities.

Aiolos Concept Car

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(images via: yanko design)

This spherical object is a car. Really. Designer Kyoung Soo Na envisions it for a new, greener Seoul, South Korea, in which buildings equipped with wind turbines produce enough energy to power little pollution-free electric vehicles. And when this one-seater vehicle is being driven, built-in turbines capture additional energy.

Proxima Car-Bike Hybrid

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(images via: auto motto)

Sleek and aerodynamic, this little vehicle combines aspects of both cars and bikes to produce a nimble design with two tandem seats. It looks more like a car from the front, with wide-set wheels, but the back end is narrow like a bike, aiding its maneuverability.

Citroen E-3POD Antistatic Commuter

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(images via: gizmag)

Conceived as an entry-level electric commuter vehicle for young people and students, the Citroen E-3POD is the result of a challenge project at London’s Royal College of Art. Another car-bike combo, the E-3POD is ultralight, cheap to build and energy-efficient. The rear wheel circles around the body of the vehicle and provides structural support. The small size and lightness of the materials draw less energy from the battery than a more conventional design.

Modi-Corp Pius Kit Car

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(images via: pius kitcar)

This one-seater electric vehicle comes in a kit so you can build it yourself – and it’s set to be released in Japan next year. The Modi-Corp Pius is a mere 48 inches wide by 98 inches long and reaches a top speed of just 21 miles per hour, so it’s not exactly street-legal. It appears to be more of a learning project for young people who want to see first-hand how electric vehicles work.