Brussels: the electric car show 2010

Despite some brands deciding not to participate, like Bentley, Cadillac, Hummer, Lamborghini and Maserati, we still can enjoy several world « firsts » from the likes of Citroen with the Citroen C-Zero, the Fiat Doblo Family, the Ford S-Max, the Ford Galaxy, the Hyundai i30 Ecosport and the Mini One Cabrio. 

European « premières » at the Heysel exhibition centre include the Audi A8, the Nissan 370Z roadster, the Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Indepent, the Fiat 500 1.3 Miet 95 hp or the Porsche Boxster Spyder.

The show features on overview of the most sophisticated and the most ecological technologies available. One wing of the Heysel centre, Palais 11, is exclusively reserved to the exhibition and demonstration of electric cars as well as of clean energy technologies. The new engine generations and highly energy-efficient transmissions, safety and comfort equipment, a variety of effective drive assistance devices – included those destined for fuel efficiency – aerodynamics, brakes, tyres, light equipment … no aspect and no detail has been overlooked by progress.

The electric car - grown up and ready for mass production

Electric and hybrid cars are highlighted in every corner of the Heysel premises. Some manufacturers not only have concept and prototype cars on display, but also vehicles likely to be on sale before 2012. Like the Citroen C-Zero for instance, celebrating its world « Première » at Brussels. Peugeot also presents a twin model of the Citroen, with identical characteristics, the Peugeot iOn. But the so-called parent model inspiring both the C-Zero and the Peugeot iOn is the iMIEV from Mitsubishi, of which numerous units are already driving the roads of Japan and of London. Unfortunately, buyers in Europe will have to wait until the end of this year for this car.

Peugeot also features the BB1, a concept car. On the other hand, the Renault Fluence ZE and Zoe ZE are announced to go on sale in 2011. The Mini-e is already undergoing road testing under real traffic conditions, in the United States, in Berlin and in London, with some 600 units already under operation altogether. With their C30 BEV from Volvo and the Focus « électrique » from Ford, both manufacturers have implemented their electric transmission solutions in the bodies of existing models. Another small car, the Tazzari Zero is facing market introduction and aims at a young urban public. Finally, the Tesla Roadster was presented on a demonstration circuit specially prepared for the Heysel show.

Other manufacturers opted for a hybrid solution. So the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and Toyota Lexus will now eventually face new competitors, of which some are featuring innovative solutions. The Peugeot prototype 3008 HYbrid 4 and the Citroen concept REVOLTe offer a combination of diesel and electric engines. The Opel Ampera shows how far electric engine technology can now aim in terms of autonomy. The car runs on an electric engine, while a small, low-consumption petrol engine operates a generator for the production of additional energy in supply of the Li-on batteries. The Opel Ampera, which is still at prototype level, can thus achieve some 500 km.  Toyota wants to preserve its leadership in alternative energies: besides the Auris with hybrid propulsion, Toyota now works on a Prius Plug-In. That one you can « refill » at home. Just plug it in.

Find the official information on the website of the European Motor Show Brussels, 2010.