More details on all-electric Trabant nT due for Frankfurt
2007 New Trabant Project - Click on image for complete gallery
Some more details on the electric Trabant that's coming to Frankfurt next month. We've heard about a possible rebirth of Trabant cars for year now but, for those too young to remember them, Trabants were the signature vehicle of East Germany before the Berlin Wall was knocked down. The good news is that the new version of the Trabi, as it was called, will be named the Trabant nT (new Trabi) and has a range of about 250 kilometers (156 miles) from its lithium-ion battery. No other specs have been announced so far, except that the van versions would sport "exceptional" payload. The car will also spot photoelectric cells to power the A/C system. So far, the project is backed up by IndiKar and electrics are supplied by IAV GmbH. The model was designed by Poschwatta Nils, who quit his job at VW to pursue the new Trabi project. The only drawback? A lack of financing. While we wait to see if the Trabant nT goes anywhere, we can at least remember the 2007 project images.
Gallery: The new Trabant
[Source: Auto News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nixon 12:20AM (8/20/2009)
I personally think this thing is awesome, if the price is right. If it is inexpensive enough to not take it too seriously, it could be a nice fun little commuter car for folks living in the 'burbs.
The white top with that old-style blue takes a special look to pull off. If they went with even more retro curves cueing off the original, it could look even better. Lower the belt-line just a little bit (not too much) and round out the front end and push the headlights up and out just a hair. Not too much. I'm into it.
Then of course I think the iMiev looks cool from certain angles, so who am I to listen to?
Reply
Byron Thomas 6:08PM (8/20/2009)
I wrote to the good fellows in Germany about their ambitious, expensive specs for the electric Trabi. Please don't overdesign it, like most of the "retro" cars of late.
Range 156miles and top speed 80mph = a $50,000 car
Range 60 miles and top speed 70mph = a $35,000 car
Range 30 miles and top speed 35mph = a $15,000 car (Zenn, etc)
Unless of course, cities can install electric trolley wires in main roads for a new generation of Ecars (that have only small batteries).
Reply
formel3 9:37AM (8/21/2009)
test
Reply
formel3 9:42AM (8/21/2009)
This Trabant has a range of 160 km, not miles!
citation: "Die maximale Reichweite des Trabant nT wird mit 160 Kilometer angegeben"
Source: Auto News