Seat IBE (Paris Concept)



The Seat IBE concept which was introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is a much more polished vehicle than the IBE concept which was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier that year.



The compact little IBE looks much better in the rich red paintwork of the Paris concept than the dull grey it featured at Geneva. Also some of the minor elements, like the headlights, taillights and grilles have been revised for the new Paris car.


With its short body length of only 3.83 metres the IBE would be great for city dwellers, and those who want a compact yet stylish car. The all-electric drive facilitates zero-emissions driving, while the powerful motor with 102 hp (75 kW) and the low weight delivered by intelligent mixed-material construction help raise the car's performance levels. The IBE takes 9.6 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), which is comparable to many conventionally powered compact cars. Battery capacity is 18 kWh and set up for a range of around 80 miles (130 km), that should be enough to satisfy most urban journeys.


James Muir, President of Seat, said of the IBE concept: "Following the great success of our highly efficient Ecomotive models, hybrids and electric vehicles are further steps in our clear corporate strategy. And the IBE leaves no room for doubt - the future will find SEAT offering the most innovative, bold and youthful cars in their respective segments, without sacrificing anything in terms of usability"


The Seat IBE concept is an all-electric vehicle that emits no pollutants from the tailpipe - although the electricity does have to come from a power station in the first place. The drive motor is located together with the power electronics at the front of the car. Their compact dimensions facilitate the extremely flat and dynamic contour of the hot. The lithium-ion battery is positioned in the rear.


Overall, if Seat chose to make the IBE a production reality - especially with the electric drivetrain, they'd have a vehicle which could do battle with other EVs from a range of different manufacturers in the near future.