The car is called Kestrel and is being developed by Motive, an electric four-passenger compact vehicle, which was designed and engineered by the company.
Vegetarians will love this car. The bio composite material is made from Hemp mats produced by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) in Edmonton Alberta from hemp stock grown in Vegreville, Alberta.
“We saw a unique opportunity to make significant advancements in the automotive sector and support the Canadian Auto Sector by providing sustainable products and opportunities to create new green manufacturing jobs.†Quite.
Motive says the goal is to achieve the same mechanical properties as glass composites and a reduction in weight as well.
“Natural materials such as hemp can offer a green and sustainable alternative to conventional fibers used in compositesâ€, says AITF’s Dr. John Wolodko.
Formula One and road going vehicles already use composite materials, which have been found to have strength and safety benefits above that of steel.
Motive designed Kestrel to participate in Project Eve, a Canadian initiative to stimulate the production of electric vehicles and their components in Canada. More information about the project will be announced during Vancouver EV 2010.
