London Motorexpo competition shows future EVs

London's 2012 Motorexpo show has showcased the work of the winners in its competition to design an electric vehicle of the future.

The brief, to create a circa 2032 zero-emmission city car capable of transporting four adults and luggage, was won by Michael Vlcek, a first-year student at London's Royal College of Arts' (RCA) Vehicle Design department.

Vlcek's proposal displayed a car with electric motors mounted in the wheel housings to maximise interior space, and a front-hinged opening to allow access via the rear of the car, where Vlcek positioned the rear lights on vertical vanes to improve aerodynamic stability.

Also highly commended by the judges was Nir Siegel, and his vision for a petite city car featuring an innovative diamond-shaped seating arrangement for better space efficiency, and improved visibility for the driver.

The Canary Wharf-based event is expected to attract around 425,000 visitors when it runs from 11-17 June 2012, and showgoers can expect to see conventional models making their UK debut as well as the futuristic designs of RCA pupils.

On display for the first time will be the Jagaur XF Sportbrake premium estate, the BMW 6-series Gran Coupe four-door 'coupaloon', the radically-different third-gen Mercedes A-class, and the new Kia Ceed.

In all, 250 cars will be on display at the event, showcasing everything from efficient city cars to luxury coupes.

By Ollie Kew