|
Commenting on the economy last
week, Bank of England governor
Mervyn King said the nice decade
is behind us. But in terms of
low-cost, sustainable motoring,
NICE is very much the way
forward.
Industry heavyweight Carlos
Ghosn recently joined government
adviser Julia King in pointing
to electric cars as the route to
sustainable motoring. London’s
NICE car company, launched at
the 2006 British Motor Show,
agrees. And it has all-electric
cars on sale today.
“The NICE decade is just
beginning for electric
vehicles,” said co-founder Evert
Geurtsen. “Even in the midst of
a credit crunch and with soaring
prices, NICE car owners are
laughing. No congestion charge,
no road tax, parking concessions
and 2p per mile motoring. It
doesn’t get much nicer than
that.”
While the financial benefits of
owning cars like the NICE Mega
City are clear, saving money is
far from the only reason to own
one:
-
The cars are small and
stylish
-
They emit no CO2,
no NOX and no CO (carbon
monoxide). In fact, there’s
no tailpipe at all!
-
Low noise and the cars are
easy to park
-
They are voluntarily crash
tested, for front, side and
rear impacts
-
They are nearly 100%
recyclable
For the first time, NICE Car
Company is taking part in SMMT’s
Test Day. As well as bringing
one of its current Mega City
models for test on Millbrook’s
city route, the company will be
showcasing the Super Light
Electric Sport Car.
This research project was
developed in partnership with
Cranfield’s power and drive
systems group, based in
Shrivenham. Featuring striking
gull-wing doors, it was designed
around a carbon fibre cell, with
advanced electronics replacing
traditional mechanical
assemblies.
“This is not a production car,
but it does show what is
possible when design starts from
the principle of electric-drive
upwards,” added Geurtsen, an
engineer by trade. “When
integrated with advanced,
lightweight materials, the
benefits of this approach become
very clear.”
The Super Light Electric Sport
Car will follow Test Day with a
starring role in the electric
car pavilion at this year’s
London Motor Show. NICE Car
Company will also have a stand
at the event. This will showcase
a new stylish face for the Mega
City car, as well as a host of
brand new electric models from
the company. More details will
be announced closer to the
event. |