There’s a new idea in the auto manufacturing industry: hemp. Using this as a base for car frames, is a green new way to take car manufacturing into the organic world.
Motive Industries is the company innovating this green vehicle technology. Unveiled last September, Motive introduced its bio-composite concept car that’s frame is created from Hemp.
The car, called the Kestrel, is an electric four passenger, three door compact vehicle. Designed to appeal to the city driver, the vehicle was engineered toward making a compact vehicle without compromising interior space. Developed and engineered by Motive, the body of the car is made from impact resistant bio composite material, specifically Hemp mats produced by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF), an innovative technology company funded by the Government of Alberta. The Kestrel has a range of 160km, weighs 850kg, and has a top speed of 135 km/h.
“Electric cars need to be efficient, therefore the Kestrel design had to be simple and light weight, while still being unique and eye catching,” said Kestrel designer Darren McKeage.
The concept car’s goals are to achieve the same mechanical properties as current glass composites while also reducing vehicle weight. Bio composites have been seen to excel in steel frame performance in car safety and strength and Formula One cars already employ composites in current car bodies.
“Natural materials such as hemp can offer a green and sustainable alternative to conventional fibers used in composites,” said Dr John Wolodko of AITF.
The Kestrel was designed and developed by Motive Industries to participate in Project Eve. This entirely Canadian Initiative has the goal of furthering electric components and vehicle production in Canada.
“The Kestrel was designed to encourage a new era in design and manufacturing for the automotive industry and also to support the Canadian perspective by supporting industry and jobs. The project is developed to fulfill a mandate from the Government to identify the feasibility, costs and benefits of creating a Canadian brand of highway-capable EV’s,” said the company in an official statement.
Be on the lookout, the Kestrel is expected to be available for purchase by late 2012 or early 2013.
It’s clear that Motive Industries may have an advantage in the auto making industry. Since growing hemp in the US is illegal, Motive Industries large US competitors will be unable to use the new organic technology. But with hemps clear association with marijuana, it will be interesting to see if investors balk at this new technology or realize its green sustainability possibilities.
