Leaf is the latest concept car designed by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) that features an odd leaf as its roof, giving an impression of being eco-friendly. This innovative roof is crafted from foliage and able to produce oxygen just like a real leaf. Moreover, the leafy roof features a solar panel to generate and store electricity, and more surprisingly, it directs the car to move into a position where it can get the most suitable sunlight coverage. The wheels also contain spinning wheels that can generate electricity too when the car moves forward. This energy-efficient vehicle not only will reduce the fuel cost of operating a car, but also will help developing an emission free environment.
If you’re of the opinion that Nissan’s new Leaf electric car is just a smidge too conventional, then pay attention as Chinese manufacturer SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) will unveil its own Leaf car at the Beijing motor show next week.
Unlike the Nissan Leaf — which will be built in Britain in 2013 — the SAIC is not scheduled for production, but its ambitious technology — that promises to clean the air as you drive — is guaranteed to draw interested manufacturers in for a closer look at the show.
According to SAIC, the Leaf will use wind, solar and biological technology to power the tiny two-seater. Photovoltaic conversion cells will be the main power for the car, along with energy generated from each of the mini wind turbines situated within the car’s wheels. Solar cells on its leaf-shaped roof will also move in accordance with the position of the sun to increase solar absorption and provide the most energy possible.
The Leaf has been designed to mimic the energy gathering behaviour of plants extracting CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. That means the Leaf gets special carbon capturing bodywork which will add additional power and complement the onboard microbial fuel cell that also recharges the lithium-ion batteries.
Unsurprisingly, there are no plans to build the Leaf, but SAIC already has several partnerships with Western manufactures including American car giant General Motors, so don’t be too surprised if similar tech studies crop up on the odd motor show concept.
