Rinspeed unveils electric commuter vehicle

(December 16, 2009) Rinspeed, the Swiss creators of crazy concepts for the Geneva auto show, has turned its attention to urban mobility, unveiling on Wednesday the UC electric commuter vehicle.

The two-seater is powered by an electric motor that makes 91.5 lb-ft of torque. It has a range of 74.6 miles and a top speed of 68.4 mph. The vehicle is controlled by a joystick and measures 8.2 feet in length.

Rinspeed says there's a good chance the UC, which it also calls the “You See,” could make it into production if picked up by a volume carmaker.

The company says the UC will be able to be loaded onto a train — to avoid congestion — and will be able to book rechargings on the Internet.