Lotus Eco Elise: Solar-powered Sports Car Really Is Dope

[User]

Sports cars aren't supposed to be green. They're supposed to snort petrol, belch fire and cause innocent passers by to develop nasty chest infections. So when Lotus rolled up to the British International Motor Show in an a solar-powered Eco Elise made out of plants, it raised more than a few eyebrows.

See those brown bits on the car? That's foliage, that is. And not just any foliage -- it's pressed hemp. Yes, hemp -- what you make cannabis from. We've no idea if this car's designers had ingested some kind of 'hemp' when they came up with the concept of a car made of ganja, but on closer inspection it's actually not a bad idea.

Hemp is a renewable, lightweight material that absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis, which is good for the planet. The particular brand of hemp used is ethically farmed and grown locally to Lotus, so the amount of CO2 needed to transport the raw materials is kept to a minimum. It's good news for the car itself, too. Hemp is very light compared to metal, which improves performance and promotes greener, more fuel-efficient driving. It doesn't compromise on safety either -- all the parts that are important for structural integrity are metal.

The solar panels in the roof are an interesting addition. They can't power the car itself, but they can drive the Eco Elise's electrical subsystems, including the iPod/MP3-compatible stereo. When it's in use, it can also take the strain off the car's alternator so it uses less petrol, and emits fewer harmful particles.

Aside from that, it's a normal Lotus Elise -- which is a good thing. If you don't mind sitting in a cockpit surrounded by what could just as easily have been marijuana, and don't mind being constantly pulled over by police with sniffer dogs, we'd recommend it. Unfortunately you won't be able to buy it any time soon. It's a concept car, but Lotus promises that "certain features might find their way into future models".



The solar panels are located on the roof, which can actually be removed. When in place, it provides power to the car's electrical systems, such as the stereo. That brown stuff between the panels is ground-up ganja.



More mushed up weed can be found on the inside of the car. Both seats are made from hemp too -- rather than plastics derived from crude oil. Note the wooden gearstick and handbrake. We think it might be taking recycling a little too far to nick the seat-belt clips from an 80s school bus.



More hemp can be found on the bonnet of the Eco Elise. We hope the, er, higher front end doesn't upset the car's balance in any way.




News Hawk: User: http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: CNET
Copyright: 2008 CNET Networks, Inc
Contact: Contact us at CNET.co.uk
Website: Lotus Eco Elise: Solar-powered sports car really is dope - Crave at CNET.co.uk

[User]

The car looks great. A fine example of what can be done with hemp. On the other hand the authors lack of knowledge about Hemp is lacking.

See those brown bits on the car? That's foliage, that is. And not just any foliage -- it's pressed hemp. Yes, hemp -- what you make cannabis from. We've no idea if this car's designers had ingested some kind of 'hemp' when they came up with the concept of a car made of ganja, but on closer inspection it's actually not a bad idea.

You don't make Cannabis from Hemp.
If they did ingest Hemp the gained many health benefits but no buzz.

If you don't mind sitting in a cockpit surrounded by what could just as easily have been marijuana, and don't mind being constantly pulled over by police with sniffer dogs, we'd recommend it.

It could not "just as easily been Marijuana".
A sniffer dog would not alert on this car.

ground-up ganja - mushed up weed - We hope the, er, higher front end doesn't upset the car's balance in any way.

While I think the author was probably trying to be funny, the misinformation bothers me. Would it be to much for him to do a little research?

If you want to know more about Hemp:
Industrial Hemp Facts & Information - 420 Magazine

[zolar]

henry ford did a similar concept car way back in another century

[StonerGrower]

I would drive it.

[kikuras]

Oh I would DEFINITELY drive it also! Don't want to offend user if this is misinfo but I heard that Ford's Model T was originally designed to run off of hemp. Any1 know if thats true or not? Even if not, this is pretty cool:

YouTube - cannabis hemp dot info episode #2

[User]

Henry Ford built a car made of hemp. He originally intended for all his cars to run on hemp if i'm not mistaken. I know there is a thread about it in the hemp information area.

Don't want to offend user

thanks. i get offended too often

we aren't journalists doing our job. we're just posting our thoughts. they sorta have an obligation to pointing out truth. they could make jokes and then say but.....

ok, weeds is starting, gotta go

[kikuras]

True about the journalist thing. And I'm 98% positive that your right about Henry's intention to make all his car run off of hemp. Years ago, I vaguely remember watching a video about that. Henry said that he thought hemp would become the next major source of fuel and then Rockefeller did something to make sure that didn't happen.