Chris Tacklind, president of California based company Twill Tech is one of the competitors in this year's Create the Future design contest. His invention is an intriguing commute car concept dubbed Twill Wicked. Twill is a green, all electric, personal vehicle which utilizes a two-wheel-in-line dynamic balancing technology. The Wicked is suited for today's crowded environment and scarce parking spaces as its length is only 4 feet when parked. On freeways, the car's transitional wheelbase is able to expand to 10 feet in length in order to provide an aerodynamic form with a low center of gravity. The Twill concept offers an economic and compact personal vehicle.
Since Twill is designed to be a small, light vehicle, it requires a battery pack which is considerably smaller than that of a full size car. "Solar is of particular excitement, because it illustrates the extreme efficiency of Twill Cars," said Tacklind. The energy needed for the average 30 mile commute can be generated by a 6 foot by 7 foot solar array plugged into the grid, to which Twill can be plugged.
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3 comments so far...
17-Nov-2008
64930
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that defines OMG!!
If stationary, how far will that fly when hit (from any direction) by a Mini Cooper at 20 mph?
Saves on the expense of a coffin.
Posted by: Mike Paluska
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25-Nov-2008
65049
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What is the weight factor of a full body crash helmet like this? Is a motor needed? I drive a two wheel in-line HPV/velomobile. It goes 20+ mph and weighs 50 lbs (70 lbs with power assist).
Posted by: Paul Westberg
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07-Jan-2009
65449
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The full article mentions, "Twill promises to protect the driver and offers a sense of safety and security, as the cabin consists of carbon fiber and polycarbonate, equipped with a seat that is similar in shape to the NASA “Zero G” seat, and is lined with form-fitting pellets that lock in place. Instead of conventional cushions, Twill is equipped with compartmentalized “bean bags” as well as airbags. If a collision occurs, the pellets lock in place while the airbags deploy, forming rigid block of poly styrene foam that protects the driver's entire body."
Posted by: Chris Tacklind
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