Riversimple

The Riversimple car represents a leap forward in terms of carbon savings; the technology demonstrator has well to wheel carbon emissions of only 31g CO2/km in the urban cycle, even if the hydrogen is generated from natural gas.

The culmination of 15 years of development, the Rasa engineering prototype has been engineered for EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) using methodical design processes and standards (ISO26262) for demonstration of conformity to stringent occupant protection requirements.  The vehicle features only 18 moving parts in the powertrain compared to the thousands found in a typical car, and the majority of components used in the build are existing products sourced from external suppliers for cost reduction purposes, right down to the ultra-low Michelin rolling resistance tyres.

With a total mass of 580kg (excluding fuel), the core philosophy of the Riversimple car is centred around the desire for lightness in order to achieve maximum performance and efficiency.  Designed for core strength and safety, the vehicle features a sub-40kg carbon composite chassis (similar to that found in a Formula 1 car), which absorbs much more energy per unit weight than steel in impact.  It is equally a robust structure which is capable of withstanding demanding usage from customers during a period of around 15 years – the forecast lifespan of each Riversimple car.  Exterior body panels are manufactured from CFRP/GFRP, and the driver and passenger door, which are hinged on the front wheel arch, open outwards and upwards for ease of access.

Once again engineered for total simplicity and low weight, the interior is functional and uncluttered and features only what is essential.  The two seats feature lightweight frames which are trimmed in a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric, and tip the scales at only 10.8kg each.