2008 British International Motor Show: Lotus unveils the Eco Elise green concept car

01 August 2008

Mumbai: British sports car maker, Lotus has unveiled the Eco Elise concept at the 2008 British International Motor Show. The Eco Elise will be displayed in the Greener Driving Pavilion at the ExCel Arena. The project displays affordable green technology that is intended to be feasible and production viable in the near term future.

The Eco Elise project promotes a different perspective of green technology, one which does not revolve solely around tailpipe CO2. The new green materials sourced for this car have been carefully studied to ensure that each technology used reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle. The life of the components has been analysed; during the production stage, in-use and at the end of the vehicle's life. The technology used aims to offer lower emissions of both solvents and CO2 in the lifecycle of the vehicle, with reductions in energy consumed during manufacture.

Sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal have been developed for body panels and trim and, combined with hi-tech water based paint solutions, showcase new affordable green technologies.

A green gear change display has been integrated into the dashboard to promote greener driving as well as a weight reduction programme, illustrating the holistic approach taken. The energy expended to manufacture the car has been evaluated, working to the 3R's - reduce, re-use and recycle.

Cleaner manufacturing processes have been sought, utilising the latest water based paint technology in association with Du Pont. Using this paint system saves energy and reduces emissions of solvents from the paint shop. Solar panels have been set into the hemp hard top to help power the electrical systems such as the car audio system and also save energy that would be drained from the engine.

The Eco Elise weighs 32 kg (70.5 lbs) less than the standard Elise S, which will add a little extra lightness, assisting in more economical, greener driving.The Eco Elise puts an emphasis on efficient driving techniques by using an ''economy'' gear change display to improve fuel efficiency and promote greener driving.