Chris Bangle Redspace electric city car - new pictures

Redspace is slightly longer than the Smart Fortwo and is deliberately different to the norm, and can out-accelerate any car in its class to 31mph
Jimi Beckwith
by Jimi Beckwith
29 November 2017

Famed former BMW head of design Chris Bangle has revealed the latest project from his independent design house - the Redspace electric city car, to be produced by Chinese EV lorry manufacturer CHTC Group. 

At 2.97m long, which is over 8cm shorter than the original Mini, the aim of Redspace is to maximise interior space for passengers, while occupying very little roadspace. The Redspace’s turning circle is smaller than that of a Smart Fortwo, although Redspace is taller and narrower. The car’s intended use is for inner-city driving in Chinese megacities, with seating for four on the move, and five when stopped. 

Never dull: the car designs of Chris Bangle

Bangle insists that the car is not a concept, but instead previews a production model, building of which will begin with in a short, but unspecified timeframe. It’s a full-functioning prototype, and at earlier stages of development achieved promising crash test results thanks to an aluminium spaceframe, which surrounds the battery pack. 

Our Verdict

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

A multi-talented contender that can stand comparison with the best superminis on the roads today, even if it isn't quite the best

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week

The car will lead its class in acceleration from standstill to 31mph - a desirable feature to its urban-living Chinese target market, although the car is also designed to be as functional as possible at a standstill. This accounts for 90% of the time, and is achieved by incorporating a large 17in infotainment screen, as well as a rear bench which can be used, Bangle claims, in various uses, from a sofa to a baby-changing station. 

The driver’s seat can rotate fully for passenger-facing seating, and there’s also a drop-down table in development. The car's steering column folds vertically upwards when not in use, freeing up more cabin space. 

Respace’s batteries are recharged conventionally, but Solbian solar panels on the car’s roof - the largest area in the car's class - provide bolstered electric potential through renewable solar energy, to the tune of up to 2kWh on a sunny day. No capacity or range has been given, other than the assertion that the latter will be class-leading. 

The firms chose LA to reveal the car due to Californians’ nature as opinion leaders in mobility, according to vice president of CHTC Group, Wang Jinan. Despite the production intent, the firm is listening to feedback from LA show-goers, so there is potential to tweak the car ahead of its build date.

Read more: 

Electric car sales in China set to reach record-breaking 700,000 units in 2017

China plots ban on petrol and diesel cars to cut emissions

Insight: why demand from China is spurring growth of electric car sales

Ford teams up with Zotye for China-only EV brand

Car firms in plea to China over electric car sales quotas

Join the debate

Comments
29

bol

29 November 2017

of his Fiat and BMW styling philosophy. I’m sure it will make some people cross (those who are still angry about the 5 Series 20 years later), but I think it hits the mark really well. 

xxxx

29 November 2017

this person is a millionaire. I can see why he's the FORMER head of BMW design

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

Bob Cat Brian

29 November 2017
xxxx wrote:

this person is a millionaire. I can see why he's the FORMER head of BMW design

Haters (especially keyboard warriors on internet forums) gonna hate... ;)

xxxx

29 November 2017

I Don't like this car and don't believe it'll never get into production. Get over it!!!

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

androo

29 November 2017

I'm struggling to find an occasion when you'd need to seat five when the car is stopped but only four when it's moving.

80sXS

29 November 2017
androo wrote:

I'm struggling to find an occasion when you'd need to seat five when the car is stopped but only four when it's moving.

Dogging?

Deputy

29 November 2017
In many Asia cities young adults live in small homes in busy families with limited private spaces. This allows them to have their own room to meet with friends outside of their house.

 

 

 

Leslie Brook

29 November 2017

Well I think it looks cool, in a Citroen Ami sort of way. Way better than those ridiculous T25 things Gordon Murray produced with his much hyped iStream process which Steve Cropley kept plugging a few years back.

A friend of mine always wanted to be run over by a steam train. When it happened, he was chuffed to bits!

typos1

29 November 2017

Its certainly quirky, Murray's T25 is much better looking though.

XXXX just went POP.

abkq

29 November 2017

A truly imaginative way to maximize space in a tiny urban car.

I like the 'bronze' highlights too.

But how does Bangle explain away the lack of aerodynamics (I am sure it matters even in a city car)?

Pages

Add your comment

Log in or register to post comments

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week