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(from Citroen Press
Release) A series of visionary designs in a Citroën
sponsored project have been unveiled at the Royal College of Art’s
Interim Degree Show in London. The Double Challenge project required
RCA MA second year students to design a compelling ultra-compact
model that could establish a unique Citroën e-vehicle aesthetic for
the future. The project was jointly sponsored by Citroën and EXA, a
France-based aerodynamic simulation software company.
Heikki Juvonen’s E-3POD Antistatic was chosen as the best overall
design by representatives from Citroën’s Style Centre and Electric
Vehicle Development Team. His single-seat creation is a bold and
engaging take on an urban three wheel electric vehicle. The
distinctive, aerodynamic styling features two smaller wheels at the
front with the driver sitting inside a larger third wheel with an
innovative hub-less design. As his prize, Heikki receives a six
month employment contract to work at the prestigious PSA Design
Centre in Paris.
Heikki commented; “I’m thrilled Citroën selected my design as their
favourite and I can’t wait to work with their talented team in
France. As a designer I strive for new and better solutions. Good
and sustainable design not only improves manufacturer brand image
and sales, but can also help to preserve our environment.”
Citroën had significant involvement throughout the Double Challenge
project, providing industry figures to lend the students their
expertise and experience, as well as organising a trip to the PSA
Design Centre and Le Conservatoire, Citroën’s in-house museum of
historic models.
Philippe Holland, Responsable Style Graphique at Citroën, said;
“We’re delighted to be involved in this important RCA project. The
students have produced some truly exceptional ideas for the future
design of electric Citroën vehicles. This type of powertrain is
increasingly recognised as an important solution for economically
and environmentally viable urban transport; so it’s fantastic to see
the electric visions of these potential car designers of tomorrow.”
The RCA is the only exclusively postgraduate art and design
university. The college’s Automotive Design course has been in
existence for 40 years and is the oldest of its kind in Europe.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Designer of the award-winning Citroen DS3,
previously studied at the Royal College of Art.
EDITOR’S NOTES:
Designed by RCA student
Heikki Juvonen, the Citroën E-3POD Antistatic electric tripod is a
new type of electric vehicle for urban commuting. The ultra-light,
micro segment, single-seater is not meant to replace cars, but to be
an addition to the family transportation fleet, positioned between
bikes and cars. With the E-3POD, the user can enter the world of
electric vehicles without having to sacrifice their main means of
long distance travel in internal combustion engine cars. The
distinctive look of the electric design language is applied to
distinguish the product from being associated to cars, for the
avoidance of comparison in terms of operational range or refuelling/recharging
time. The E-3POD has a simplified, lightweight construction with an
emphasis on aerodynamics to minimize the required battery size. This
lowers the production costs, making the E-3POD affordable for
purchase in addition to the family car - and a potential means of
commuting for young people and students. The lowered weight is
emphasized in design elements such as the rear wheel, which works as
a supportive structural element, the shared suspension for both
front wheels, and the use of scratch resistant plastic for the
canopy. The silent electric engines also make sound insulation
redundant, allowing for lighter material selection. The E-3POD
provides the user with easy, cost efficient transport with access to
easier parking due to the small footprint. The design also provides
comfortable and isolated personal space, which - when compared to
bicycles or public transport - is a welcome addition. The short
length of the vehicle makes it agile in urban environments. At
higher speeds the E-3POD tilts slightly to provide solid grip and an
emphasised stance, giving cornering a more responsive feel.
