BMW considering range of two-, three- and four-wheelers for Project i
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on May 8th 2009 at 8:59AM 
BMW Clever concept - Click above for an image gallery
Back in the summer of 2007, BMW and the University of Bath put their combined heads together and designed a vehicle called the Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transportation, or Clever for short. Using just three wheels and an engine that was designed to run on compressed natural gas, the Clever concept emitted half the carbon dioxide of normal economy cars.
BMW may revisit this design for a future production model under its Project i program, which has the goal of finding new ways to create sustainable models for our transportation needs. The Clever would be just one vehicle in a range consisting of multiple two-, three- and four-wheeled vehicles.
As much as we'd love to see a completely electric line from the German automaker, we may be waiting a while. iMotor in the U.K. quotes an unnamed spokesperson for BMW as saying:
We are committed to producing a super economical or zero emission vehicle or range of vehicles. However, it's going to be at least five years until we have production models on the road.In the meantime, BMW may be forced to fall back on its motorcycle division to locate a suitable set of powerplants for Project i.
Gallery: BMW Clever concept
[Source: iMotor]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sofa King Fast! 9:20AM (5/08/2009)
What, exactly, is the difference between this and a motorcycle?
Functionally, I can't see how this brings anything more to the table.
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David 9:28AM (5/08/2009)
Well, you won't get wet or cold.
MajorGeek 9:33AM (5/08/2009)
When you get hit, you get trapped in it?
Sofa King Fast! 9:53AM (5/08/2009)
@David....
Wearing a jacket or rain gear when riding a motorcycle seems like an easier and less costly option...just a thought.
PeterG 10:08AM (5/08/2009)
Protection from elements.
More crash protection.
No helmet necessary.
Don't have to worry about washing out if you hit some gravel in a turn.
...
I really like this design ( which the Carver is an example that is already on the road).
It seems like most of the fun of a motorcycle (lean into corners) with many of downsides removed (see list above).
EU_reader 10:12AM (5/08/2009)
Motorcycles are fine for recreation and good weather fun. It's quickly becoming a nuisance once the weather changes, or the climate gets cold.
Newsflash: we don't all live in sunny california or florida. Where I live you'd be happy to have 'riding weather' for 6 months. And yes, I could be the die-hard and ride all year long, but I don't feel like it.
Cold sucks, to the point you'll need heated grips to feel your hands. Rain sucks for visibility, and riding safely on wet roads, manhole covers and wet leafs is too precarious to be any fun.
Besides, not everyone wants to learn how to safely ride a two wheeled machine. They just want something small and safe. This thing also doesn't require a helmet or protective gear and protects you in a cage when you slide. Even though you might get 'trapped', i'd prefer being protected by bodywork instead of my motorcycle gear.
Then again, when going to work, almost everyone sits ALONE in their 7 seat SUV, hauling 4000 pounds for one person at the time. Most people only need a briefcase to take to work. I'm sure it's not a problem in the USA with 2x7 lanes highways and all the space in the world, but in Europe traffic jams would be considerably diminished if this took off. These things fit more closely on a lane, consume less for ONE PERSON, compared to a normal heavy car for ONE PERSON.
I'd buy this without even thinking about it. Anything up to 20.000 euros is fine by me.
spyker 12:24PM (5/08/2009)
Well... it's a motorcycle with a cage around it, and an extra wheel... I guess it's safer.
required 1:21PM (5/08/2009)
Maybe it's all about helmet hair.
piet 12:03PM (5/11/2009)
It's called a Carver...
: http://www.carver-worldwide.com/Home/Index.asp?nc=1
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Kooshball 10:10AM (5/08/2009)
yup, exactly what i was thinking, total rip off of the carver. what i'm wondering is how this would ever get to production knowing that carver has patented the rotating-cabin design...
harlanx6 9:59AM (5/08/2009)
It simply has lower emissions and it looks really cool.
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Bloke 10:03AM (5/08/2009)
Looks like a spiritual successor to the BMW C1.
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Rick 10:10AM (5/08/2009)
Whatever, but change the name as it invites criticism.
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BrianM 10:20AM (5/08/2009)
15K or less with AC, Want!
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Kangen4everyone 10:32AM (5/08/2009)
Carver One is much more prettier..............sorry bimmer!
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mad.ludwig2nd 11:15AM (5/08/2009)
BMW would surely have to license Brink Dynamics' DVC system.
http://www.brinkdynamics.nl/technical/dvc.html
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yacoub 12:57PM (5/08/2009)
QUICK - someone turn this one into a FAIL macro: http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/bmw-clever-concept/2001570/
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jimmy_ngai 3:20PM (5/09/2009)
yes, i think its a better option than the C1
you won't have to worry falling over.
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fixitfixitstop 7:59PM (5/09/2009)
You're all talking about the Carver, but my original reaction to this was "Isn't that the GM Lean Machine?".
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