A different mindset for our future mobility

About 20% of the CO2 emissions in the EU are generated by road transport. Passenger cars are responsible for around 12% of CO2 emissions. From 2012 new cars will have to have emissions of 120mg/km or lower. The car industry is currently in a massive crisis. We need a different mindset for our future mobility.

mindset is an independent concept in the area of electric and hybrid cars, coming from a start-up company based in Switzerland. mindset was founded in 2007 and the team is planning to launch their first car later this year. In January a prototype was spotted on the streets of Berlin. 

The standard mindset model is a totally electric car with space for two persons at the front and two at the back or alternatively a generous, individually configurable rear compartment for dogs, shopping or extra luggage. 

mindset can run on battery power alone with a range of 100 - 200km. A second battery can be added to extend the range. The car is recharged either by its own solar panels or by plugging it into a standard power socket. The Co2 emissions for the battery drive are 1.1g/km using hydro-electric power production.  

The driving range can be extended through a 'Range Extender' in the form of a 250ccm Otto engine. The Range Extender enables the car to run 800km on one 28 litre tank. This will cause the CO2 emissions to go up to 79g/km. If you are only driving a shorter distance, you can take the Range Extender out of the vehicle and leave it at home in the garage. The top speed of the car is 140km/h, which is electronically limited. 

The frame of the car - called Spaceframe -  is made from welded aluminium and the external panelling is built from fibre-enforced plastic components. The Spaceframe is light in weight, extremely rigid and designed for the safety of the passenger.

mindset distinguishes itself through outstanding appearance, adaptability, smart use of technology, low consumption and exceptional user friendliness. It certainly has the potential to change the mindset of the consumers. Let's hope it will change the mindset of the key decision makers in the automotive industry. 

For more information please see www.mindset.ch .

M.HAUS 2009