Rinspeed UC? Concept: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

GENEVA — Rinspeed, the avant-garde Swiss car design firm, has released more details on its "mobility concept" for the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The UC? Concept ("UC" stands for Urban Commuter) is a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) that can be loaded onto a train — allowing long-distance commuters to take their car with them and drive it at their destination.

The UC? is intended for future production, says company chief Frank M. Rinderknecht, who adds he's already talking with "international railroad companies" about the project.

The car itself is a two-seat EV built by engineering firm Esoro of Switzerland. Its bubble shape recalls the Fiat Topolino, Rinspeed points out. The UC? is 102 inches long and 64 inches wide, and built atop a very short 71-inch wheelbase.

It uses lithium-ion battery pack, which powers an electric motor capable of a scant 40 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque. The UC? is meant for city use only, so top speed is only 75 mph, according to Rinspeed.

In place of a steering wheel, there's a "force-feedback joystick" and drive-by-wire Space Drive designed by mobility-vehicle specialist Paravan.

Rinspeed contracted with several other companies to dress up its showcar. A company called Akzo Nobel mixed up a batch of color-changing paint that goes from yellow to green and back. Swarovski designed a crystal "tank lid" to cover the 230-volt plug. Lastly, the UC? gets a "futuristic" instrument cluster that includes a Swiss watch from Carl F. Bucherer.

The UC? can be driven like any other electric car, says Rinspeed, but the ability to put it on a train is the big idea here. Rinspeed envisions a transverse loading system and special rail cars, allowing "numerous UC? vehicles" to be loaded simultaneously and rapidly. Rinspeed says UC? owners can make their train reservations online directly from the car, using a 3G Internet connection provided by Harman International and phone service provided by VoIP2Car technology.

Rinderknecht says his idea holds the solution to a major objection people have to electric cars: their limited driving range. Although the UC? has a relatively short range of 65 miles, Rinspeed envisions rail cars with charging stations, allowing the cars to charge en route to your office.

Visitors to the Geneva show won't find the Rinspeed display boring, as the UC? will be making laps on a track covered with artificial fur from Sibu Design.

Inside Line says: An interesting idea for Europe where train routes are well established, though Europeans seem to get around their cities just fine already — by walking or using taxis. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent