Pininfarina Bluecar

Pininfarina’s stylish four-seater, five-door hatchback is powered by Bollore’s combination of solid-state lithium metal polymer (LMP) batteries and supercapacitors developed specifically for this project. The LMP batteries are based on unique technology offering exceptional energy density and the supercapacitors provide additional power and regenerative braking.

Exceptional electric car range of 150 miles

The LMP batteries are located under the car between the axles, have a lifespan of around 125,000 miles and can be fully recharged from a domestic mains socket ‘in a few hours’. They provide a range of around 150 miles, acceleration of 0-37 mph in 6.3 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 80 mph.

The Bluecar has high performance solar panels in its roof and part of its bonnet which help to recharge its electrical power reserves and power some of the electric car’s ancillary equipment. The materials used in building the car have been developed for their low environmental impact: they can be reused or recycled.

Sensible monthly leasing cost

The company’s initial target was to build 10,000 Bluecars but this has proved too ambitious in the light of Pininfarina’s difficult financial circumstances. Now, the aim is to produce an initial run of 1,000 cars which will be leased at a forecast monthly charge of about £310 – which still makes economic sense in view of the extremely low running costs.

June 2010 launch for all-electric Pininfarina Bluecar

In September 2009, the launch date was confirmed as June 2010. The car is expected to be sold in six European markets, including the UK, but plans to sell the vehicle in the US have been shelved.

A car for odorous people?

The original name of the Bluecar was the Pininfarina BO but due to the hilarity this provoked it has been re-christened.