Lotus Goes Green with Hemp Car
When I wrote about Henry Ford’s hemp car, I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d be writing about another car made from hemp.
Lotus has announced its latest eco-friendly car - made from hemp. OK, the whole car isn’t made from hemp but hemp has played a large role in it’s construction.
Lotus will unveil the Eco Elise at the British International Motor Show later this month.
With the Eco Elise, Lotus is aiming for a car that’s different to most “green” cars. While most of today’s green cars are being measured by how little gas they consume, the Eco Elise goes much further than this.
In fact, the Eco Elise project focuses on the following areas:
- Sustainable materials - using materials such as hemp, sisal, and biodegradable woolen fabrics.
- Cleaner manufacturing processes - by using a totally water-based paint system.
- Renewable energy generation - through the use of two solar panels on the hemp hard top.
- Reducing carbon miles - by using locally grown hemp fibers, as well as recycled packaging.
- Efficient driving techniques - by assisting the driver in driving more economically. A green light informs the driver the most optimal time to change gears for best economic performance.
- Weight reduction - a lighter car means a more economical car. The Eco Elise is 32 kilograms lighter than the (already lightweight) Elise S.
According to the Lotus press release:
The new green materials sourced for this car have been carefully studied to ensure that each technology used reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle. The life of the components has been analysed; during the production stage, in-use and at the end of the vehicle’s life. The technology used aims to offer lower emissions of both solvents and CO2 in the lifecycle of the vehicle, with reductions in energy consumed during manufacture.
Another great environmental achievement for Lotus is that their manufacturing plant has become more eco-friendly. In 2007, Lotus used 14% less electricity, 30% less gas, and 11% less water than it did in 2006. Lotus also recycle 57% of its waste product.
Tags: eco friendly car, eco wool, hemp, sisal
May 12th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Well the weight of car you described looks less than picture shown.
Green cars are really needed & its been produced & used by large number of car owner.But when we see statistic of hybrid cars owners country or region wise.We see there is huge difference .Most people are not aware of Global Warming & importance of green car.
Well lotus cars have made advance technology I can say as compared to 2005-2006.
July 12th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
it is nice post! thank you for sharing.
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:25 am
This is amazing kind of technology. I’ll support this by sharing the blog to my friends. Eco-friendly car is an alternative which would surely deliver its purpose. Thank you.