| Manufacturer | Pininfarina-Bolloré |
|---|---|
| Production | 2009-present |
| Assembly | Turin, Italy |
| Class | B-segment |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine | electric motor |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Curb weight | 300 kilograms (661.4 lb) |
| Designer | Lowie Vermeersch |
The Pininfarina Bluecar (previously known as B0 or B Zero) is an electric car, designed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Bolloré, which was introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is not a concept car, but a production car that went on sale in 2009.[1]
The car incorporates a lithium polymer (LMP) battery matched up with a supercapacitor. The energy storage component not only allows for high regenerative braking and acceleration capabilities but also extends the life of the battery. A range of 250 km and a top speed of 130 km/h have been announced for the vehicle, as well as 0–60 km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. Pininfarina began production at the end of 2009, and it plans to ramp up production based on battery availability and sales.[2]
The project was developed by the Pininfarina Design department, led by the Flemish designer Lowie Vermeersch, who had previously coordinated other projects such as the Pininfarina Sintesi and the Ferrari California. The car was dedicated to the memory of Andrea Pininfarina, who died two months before its unveiling and who was a firm believer in the project.
The car's lithium-metal-polymer battery consists of a laminate of four ultra-thin materials: (1) metallic lithium foil anode that acts as both a lithium source and a current collector; (2) solid polymeric electrolyte created by dissolving a lithium salt in a solvating co-polymer (polyoxyethylene); (3) cathode composed of vanadium oxide, carbon, and polymer to form a plastic composite; and (4) aluminum foil current collector. The batteries that power the car are housed in a compartment located under the car, between its axles. Also, the vehicle will feature a set of solar panels on its roof and hood that will help recharge the batteries.[3]