Grow Your Own Sports Car

It seems like every car manufacturer is out there to prove that they can make a greener and more eco-friendly car. Though for the most part this has been focused on fuel consumption - creating hybrids, evs or hydrogen powered machines. Technologies which many would say are merely pushing the issues of negative impact around so that the cars look better but without actually reducing impact in the larger scheme of things.

But Lotus, who were involved in the design of the Tesla ev, have recently unveiled what really is a forward looking car which not only takes a more systemic approach to car design but also creates something which will actually make petrolheads go wow.

Welcome the Lotus "Eco Elise" concept car.

What makes it so special is the focus on the production methodology as well as the actual materials used. Working with a technology recently deveoped by Qinetiq, Lotus has chosen to make the Eco Elise out of natural fibres - namely locally sourced hemp and sisal. Now making a car out of natural fibres is nothing new - the Trabant, which was first produced in the 1950s, used a roof made with recycled cotton; but the beauty of the Eco Elise is that it really has been created with the 3Rs in mind.

The hemp body shell is not only more eco-friendly but also reduces the vehicle weight, increasing both fuel economy and performance. Other features are a roof embedded with solar panels to help reduce engine load and thus fuel consumption and an "eco light" - which recommends the best time to change gears to improve fuel efficiency. This alone is something I think can make a massive difference to fuel economy as it makes the driver more aware of how much fuel they are consuming.

The overall goal at Lotus is to improve their production techniques not just for the Eco Elise but for all their vehicle manufacturing by working with local suppliers, renewable energy, recycled materials, better waste management, etc.Lotus claims to have significantly reduced their energy consumption (Electricity 14%, Gas 30%, Water 11%) as well as increased the amount of waste recycling to 57%. Though it would be interesting to know what the other 43% is and how they are dealing with it.

There was no word on what the engine of the Eco Elise would be but of course Lotus is also experimenting with different power sources such as tri-fuel motors in addition to now much demanded hybrid engines.

Now of course the Eco Elise is not as eco-friendly as a bicycle but it is certainly a step in the right direction for automobile design.