This is the Nano Cellulose Vehicle (NCV), unveiled
at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show as a study into the use of cellulose nanofiber
(CNF) materials for automotive use.
The vehicle comes from a consortium of 22 Japanese universities,
research institutes, and corporate suppliers launched in 2016 by Japan’s
Ministry of the Environment.
Cellulose Nanofiber is derived from plants and
recycled agricultural waste and has been used across the body, including the
doors, roof, and hood. The use of these materials means the car’s shell is up
to 50 per cent lighter than one made from more traditional ones. CNF has also
been used extensively in the car’s structural tub.
Responsible for the exterior design of the vehicle
is Yuzo Niimi from Toyota Customizing & Development, one of the consortium
members. The car has a relatively small footprint and at the front there are
intriguing headlights as well as a small, sharp front grille. The concept also
features butterfly doors, multi-spoke wheels, and a rear dominated by
taillights that remind us of the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, as well
as a large diffuser.
Inside, the Nano Cellulose Vehicle sports panels
clad in wood and a two-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters.
As the concept is a technical showcase, details
about its powertrain are limited, although it is thought to feature a hydrogen
fuel cell and have a top speed capped at a mere 20 km/h.
