JUN 09

New auto industry start-up Mindset, has announced plans to release a gasoline-electric hybrid next year. The hybrid 2+2-seater, called the Six50, contains a built-in Li-Ion battery, with a range of 100km (62 miles) between charges, rising to 800km (496 miles) when the two-cylinder gasoline motor also kicks in as a generator as required. Battery charging is further assisted by integrated roof-top solar panels.

The car’s name hints at the target weight of 650kg (1430 lbs). However, according to recent reports, the prototype, made with a plastic body around an aluminum frame, tips the scales at a still fairly lightweight 800kg. According to Mindset, this helps the car to achieve fairly respectable levels of performance. The 70kw (95hp) motor should enable speeds of up to 140km/h (75mph) and acceleration from 0-100km/h in under six seconds.

The company was established by Marat Gunak, former head of design at Volkswagen (who is also gearing up with electric cars), with backing from Swiss billionaire Lorenzo Schmid. According to Gunak, most cars are currently “too big, too heavy, too expensive,” a trend that he hopes to help overturn with the Six50.

On first impressions, it seems that he might have succeeded in developing a small, lightweight car. However, many potential buyers will need to be persuaded that the price, currently estimated at €31,000 (about $47,900) - and likely to reach nearer €50,000 (about $77,200) by the time the Six50 hits the market - is not "too expensive." For an average buyer, that's pretty darn expensive.

Via Treehugger

Comments (6)

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written by kent beuchert, June 10, 2008

I see this huckster made up for the small size by setting an exorbiotant price. Makes even the crappy EV-1 look relatively affordable.

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written by nicster, June 10, 2008

In calculating the $ price, I believe you've used the pound sterling equivalent, rather than the euro. 31,000 euros = 48,000 dollars

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For the upper middle-class, $50,000 isn'
written by Aaron Dalton, June 10, 2008

True, a $50,000 car isn't cheap, but if the car has a luxurious fit and finish, it might appeal to upper middle-class buyers, particularly empty-nesters downsizing from SUVs...

In any case, the more variety and choice on the market in terms of hybrid/battery/solar car technology, the better! If one of the technologies really proves practical and appealing, you can bet the major car companies will quickly roll out versions of their own. (Just as the success and media praise of the Prius has led to a wave of hybrid gas-electric cars recently.)

- Aaron Dalton, 1GreenProduct.com

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written by Lonnie Lasenbby, June 11, 2008

Electric car developers need to realize they will recover investment costs and make tremendous profits much quicker by selling their vehicles at a price affordable by most people.

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written by Jim, June 14, 2008

They might as well keep it because few if any can or will afford that. Get real developers. Under $20,000 US dollars is where the market is. If you can't get there----stay out of the way.

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how many time to charge in the battery??
written by helder luiz schmitt, January 15, 2009

hey... i don't know the time who he need to charging his battery??
is quickly or take time?!???
if anyone knows talks me..
tHankss!!
good car.. just a little strange..
so it's a great idea...

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