2012 Rinspeed "Dock+Go" mobility concept
The motto of the concept is simple: "Take 3!" and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking "but only if you need them"! This third axle with two wheels is the main feature of the brand new modular mobility system from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht. Under the name "Dock+Go" the Swiss will present the vehicle from 8th till 18th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. What is so special about this concept lies in the aim of docking "backpacks on wheels." Moreover these single-axle "packs" can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary.
As a basis "Dock+Go." could be used any electric car: for example you can have the two-seated smart. Furthermore there is a great range of "packs" thank to which you can turn the electric-powered mini car into a dream car of any pizza delivery driver (additionally completed with an integrated heated box). As it goes for the craftsmen - there is a very special thing prepared: a toolbox pack with well-organized spaces for every tool! Eventually after the day has gone and all the work is done everything could e docked to the rear of the mini-mobile.
And here is the great news for all "high-speed" admirers. When you want to accelerate the kilometers per hour more than just 120, there have been provided an "energy pack" with a combustion engine or range extender, packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. Thank to it, there is an added range for reaching more distant destinations. Additionally manufacturers have shared a simple but clever trick: the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and thus recharges the on-board battery of the city car; hence thus the first Vario-Hybrid is born! If you wonder how you can charge the batteries you can do it at home using the energy pack. The last one is recharged with solar power from the roof, thus making living and driving without any CO2 emissions a reality. A perfect car for any environmentalist isn't it
Source: Rinspeed
