Aug 23 2010
Motive has announced the development of Canada’s first bio-composite bodied electric car.
The car, called the Kestrel, will make its full marketing debut during the September EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver. The Kestrel is an electric 4 passenger compact vehicle, designed and engineered by Motive. The body of the car is made from impact resistant bio composite material. Kestrel designer Darren McKeage says – “electric cars need to be efficient, therefore the Kestrel design had to be simple (minimized part count) and light weight, while still being unique and eye catching.”
The bio composite material is made from Hemp mats produced by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) in Edmonton Alberta from Hemp stock grown in Vegreville, Alberta. Nathan Armstrong, President of Motive says “we saw a unique opportunity to make significant advancements in the automotive sector and support the Canadian Auto Sector by providing sustainable products and opportunities to create new green manufacturing jobs.”
Prototyping and testing will begin on the vehicle later this month. The goal is to achieve the same mechanical properties as glass composites while achieving a reduction in weight. According to Dr. John Wolodko at AITF, bio- composites are becoming more popular due to their low cost and light weight. “Natural materials such as hemp can offer a green and sustainable alternative to conventional fibers used in composites.” Composite materials are currently used in formula one vehicles and many road going vehicles and have been found to have strength and safety benefits above that of steel.
Motive Industries has designed and engineered the Kestrel for participation in Project Eve, an entirely Canadian Initiative with the goal of furthering the production of electric vehicles and electric vehicle components in Canada. A full announcement about Project Eve will be made during the Vancouver EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Trade Show in September.