T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize

T3 Motion, creators of the Segway-esque non-balancing T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle for police and security use, has just issued a press release detailing its plans to launch a new three-wheeled electric vehicle called the CT3. The new vehicle is the first machine from T3 that was specifically designed for personal commuter use and is based on the company's CT low-speed electric four-wheeled vehicle.

Using a three-wheeled design should allow T3 Motion to classify the CT3 as a motorcycle in most states, which means it won't necessarily need to be restricted to low-speed use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, though the machine will be capped at a 45 mph top speed regardless. All three of the CT3's wheels are powered by electric motors that get their electrons from T3's proprietary Power Management System and lithium polymer batteries.

At this time, the vehicle exists only in rendered form (pay close attention to the wheels and tires in the above image), but T3 plans to enter a special CT-S version of the machine in the Auto X Prize that will reportedly be capable of 80 miles per hour and an equivalent mpg rating of over 100 miles per gallon. Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Deepa!

[Source: T3 Motion via Green Launches]

PRESS RELEASE:

T3 Motion Unveils the 'First Look' at the 'CT3' Vehicle

ELECTRIC 3-WHEELED CT3 AIMED AT COMMUTER VEHICLE MARKET

COSTA MESA, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- T3 Motion, Inc., has proudly unveiled their latest electric vehicle, the "CT3." The stylish CT3 is based on T3 Motion, Inc.'s LSV/NEV, the CT Micro Car. The CT3 is the latest electric vehicle designed, developed, and manufactured by California-based T3 Motion, Inc. With over 3,000 field hot swap-able Lithium-Polymer batteries and 1,200 electric vehicles in the service since 2006, T3 Motion, Inc. has solidified its role as a global leader in Electric Vehicle Design, Battery Technology and Power Management Systems.

After the successful launch of the professional-grade T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle (ESV) designed for law enforcement and security applications, T3 Motion, Inc. quickly followed up with the 2008 debut of a four-wheel LSV/NEV targeted at Public Safety, the CT Micro Car. Less than a year later, T3 Motion, Inc., has rolled out the three-wheeled CT3 which reflects T3 Motion, Inc.'s vision for the future of personal commuter and professional fleet transportation.

In an era of fluctuating fuel prices and the need to maximize Returns on Investment, T3 Motion, Inc. electric vehicles represent cost-effective, environmentally-friendly opportunities to transport people, gear, and cargo. "Made in the USA" clean technology continues to be forecasted as a growth sector in not only the current economic climate but also the future.

"The CT3 represents our latest vision for electric vehicles from T3 Motion, Inc. From bumper to bumper, from wheels to roof, we are very excited for the future of vehicles like the CT3," said Ki Nam, T3 Motion, Inc. C.E.O. "Our T3 Motion Power Management System is at the heart of the CT3. What we have learned from the T3 Series ESV and CT Micro Car NEV, we are applying to the CT3. The result is T3 Motion's first true consumer level vehicle."

A version of the CT3 is competing for the Progressive Automotive X Prize in the Alternative Vehicle Class. The "CT3-S" is specifically designed and engineered to be capable of speeds up to 80 miles per hour yet delivering the energy equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon.

"We are very honored to be competing in the Progressive Automotive X Prize. It is energizing for T3 Motion, Inc. to be alongside so many different interpretations of creating the 100 mile per gallon car," said Ki Nam, T3 Motion, Inc. C.E.O. "With electricity being the most readily available source of fuel today, our zero gas emission CT3-S exemplifies the 'real world' opportunities electric vehicles have both today and in the future."

About the CT3:

The commuter version of the CT3 will be limited to speeds up to 45 m.p.h. [72 k.p.h.] and is designed with T3 Motion, Inc.'s proprietary Power Management System. The CT3 features all-wheel drive, full front and rear suspension, full front and rear independent hydraulic disc brakes and a compact design--perfect for daily commuter "around town" applications.

The quiet environmentally-friendly zero gas emission vehicles include regenerative braking, highly rigid aluminum frame for maximum strength versus weight ratio, impressive ride quality, and distinctive T3 Motion, Inc. styling.