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“The iChange is a symbol for the fundamental changes the auto industry undergoes worldwide. And it is clear that only those companies will survive that have innovative answers for the demands of a new automotive era,” he said when introducing the concept car at the Geneva Motorshow. He is convinced that the days of fuel-guzzling machines are coming to an end and the iChange is 'a signal for the coming global changes to individual mobility’. The iChange goes from a streamlined single-seater sportscar to a comfortable car with ample room for three within seconds. The trick: At the push of a button, the rear end of the teardrop-shaped bodyshell pops up.
The basic idea behind the iChange is that the energy demand of a vehicle depends mostly on its weight; the type of engine it uses; and its aerodynamic properties. To power the car, the specialists chose an electric motor. The idea of the pop-up rear end was conceived to account for the sizeable effect aerodynamics play in fuel consumption.
While other cars always have to ferry around their puffed-up exteriors that can accommodate up to 7 passengers - even if they’re just transporting a single person - the iChange features an adaptive body. The sole driver is conveyed in a teardrop-shaped car that offers optimal aerodynamic properties and thus minimized energy consumption. If more than one person needs to be transported, the expanding rear provides room for two more passengers. As a result of the increased weight and no longer optimal aerodynamics, the energy consumption increases - but only for the time passengers are actually on board.
The energy for the electric motor comes from lithium-ion batteries that are available in two different stack configurations for short and long-distance driving. The electric motor produces 150 kW (240 bhp), capable of propelling the car to a claimed top speed of 220 km/h. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is said to take just slightly over 4 seconds which is certainly supercar territory. This impressive performance is made possible with the help of a 6-speed pre-selector gearbox from the Subaru WRX.
The central research department of Siemens AG supplied the integration technology for engine/generator, electronics and battery connection interface. Siemens has long been one of the world leaders for energy systems and eco technology with pioneering concepts for electric drive systems. Its products cover the entire electric value-added chain from generation to distribution to consumption. The gearbox and drivetrain are lubricated with eco-friendly lubricants from Motorex.
Custom-made lightweight 17-inch and 18-inch forged wheels with aerodynamic shrouds are supplied by light-alloy wheel specialists AEZ. Pirelli P Zero tyres sized 215/40-17 in front and size 245/40-18 in the rear are fitted while the front lights are taken from the Opel Insignia and the rear lamps from the Opel Astra Twin Top.
Interestingly, this concept car has no doors. The entire electrically-powered roof section of the car measuring just 1.03 metres in height tilts forward to allow passengers to board. Also gone are such mundane things as a key; its role is taken by an Apple iPhone which also controls the most important vehicle functions.
The iChange is drastically different from conventional cars in virtually every detail. At the heart of the concept car lies the groundbreaking next-generation Harman/Kardon infotainment system. The system uses Intel processor technology that guarantees minimized power consumption. The same is true for the Harman/Kardon high-efficiency audio system. With its revolutionary technology, it is claimed to meet the highest demands on sound quality, weighs much less than ordinary systems and, at the same time, uses only a fraction of energy. This opens the door to a new dimension of energy efficiency.
The route guidance of the navigation system is also especially eco-friendly. It can calculate the most energy-saving route and displays the directions in realistic 3D view.
The pure wool used in the interior was further refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using state-of-the-art processes. The wool is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards. It provides an extremely extravagant ambience in the iChange, looks stunning and is delicate to the touch. Strähle + Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. Its surface character and materiality combine to create a symbiosis of shell, firmness and frothy air.
Unconventional techniques create unusual surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats cushions are adorned with the prototype’s name. While textiles can be found in the iChange in their original form in other areas, they are newly interpreted on seats and cargo floor using various refinement techniques such as braiding and gathering and a combination of both. Leather strips alternate with technical textiles. The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into 3-dimensional shapes. This transfers the adaptive concept of the iChange to the interior as well. The diamond-coated anti-slip floor is supplied by abrasives specialist KGS.
The Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy supports the iChange project as a groundbreaking research and development project. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the fan to keep temperatures in the iChange comfortably low on hot summer days. The large Sharp solar panels also provide additional eco-friendly charging of the batteries.