- Motive Kestrel EV was unveiled in Canada.
- Nicknamed "Cannabis Car" for its hemp-derived bio-composite body panels.
- One of the company's previous projects competed for the 2008 Automotive X Prize.
CALGARY, Alberta — The Motive Kestrel, widely described as the "Cannabis Car" because of its hemp-derived bio-composite body panels, was officially unveiled by the Canadian development firm behind the car. Motive says it hopes to put the four-passenger electric car into series production at an unspecified date.
"I was influenced by animals like greyhounds and sharks that have these barrel chests and narrow waists that communicate strength," said Kestrel designer Darren McKeage in a statement on Tuesday. "I've captured that in the design through the wheel arches and upswept form in the rocker area. These features also accentuate the wheels, helping create a planted stance."
The Motive Kestrel will be one of the cars in Canada's Project Eve, a consortium of Canadian companies working to bring electric vehicles to Canada.
Motive says that natural materials such as hemp can offer a green alternative to conventional fibers used in composites. One of the company's previous projects, the Motive Switch, was an extended-range hybrid with bio-composite panels. It competed for the Automotive X Prize in 2008.
Inside Line says: The bong is optional. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
k55 says:
10:08 AM, 09/17/2010
Groovy baby.
phoenixc says:
02:29 AM, 09/17/2010
Another reminder of why the SMART... is such a stupid looking car. This looks way better as a super-mini EV.
zwestbrook says:
06:11 AM, 09/16/2010
I like the design and think it looks pretty sweet. Good job, Darren!
isend2c says:
08:57 PM, 09/15/2010
it looks like a GeeWiz, a car known for it's fantastic design.
93aero says:
06:39 PM, 09/15/2010
My car could smoke this! hahah I LOVE going green!
thaitanium15 says:
03:30 PM, 09/15/2010
Cool, can't wait to hot box it.