Spirit: A Green New Energy Small Electric Vehicle

A Mini Car with Maximum Impact

The inspiration for the Spirit design came from the designer's three-year-old son, who embodies the qualities of being lovely, cute, and innocent - like a little spirit in the forest. With this in mind, Hui Li set out to create a green new energy small electric vehicle that can navigate effortlessly through urban landscapes.

What sets the Spirit apart from other electric vehicles is its unique properties and strengths. It boasts the smallest body in the world and has earned the new standard EU certification e168/2013. The semi-load bearing frame and birdcage structure ensure a safe passenger space, while the use of environmentally recyclable plastic materials makes the body lightweight and energy-efficient. The adoption of four-wheel independent suspension provides both flexibility and stability during driving. These exceptional features have garnered high praise in the Israeli market and received support from the Israeli government.

The realization of the Spirit design involves a combination of injection molding processes for both internal and external covering parts. This approach, along with the integration of body frame and external accessories, ensures production efficiency and consistency.

Technical specifications of the Spirit include a maximum motor output power of 15KW, an acceleration time of 9.5/s from 0-80km/h, and an economic power consumption of 7Kw*h (100Km, full load). The four independent suspension and four disc brakes, along with a rear engine and rear drive configuration, contribute to a safe and comfortable driving experience. The compact dimensions of the car (2245*1290*1570 mm) make it ideal for navigating crowded city streets.

With keywords like electric, spirit, safety, mini, and environmental, the Spirit design embodies the essence of sustainable urban mobility. Its minimal size and lightweight design, combined with stamping body and standard plastic injection parts, ensure excellent performance and protection. The adorable outlook of the Spirit has captured the hearts of consumers in the market, creating a harmonious interaction between humans and nature.

The Spirit design project took place from July 2016 to September 2017 in Nanjing, China. Extensive research was conducted to meet the aesthetic and engineering standards of foreign markets, particularly in Europe. The use of 3D printing technology during the verification stage expedited the development process and ensured product quality. As a result, the Spirit has been successfully sold in over 30 countries, including Japan, the United States, Germany, and Spain.

Designing the Spirit came with its fair share of challenges. The team had to consider the unique characteristics of city driving while incorporating high safety standards into the cute outlook of the vehicle. Creating a crash zone within a small space and optimizing the multi-wheel collapse structure were just a few of the obstacles overcome. Additionally, the smallest door design, electric lift window, and delicate anti-collision features were meticulously crafted to ensure side safety.

Overall, the Spirit design addresses the needs of congested city roads while aligning with the themes of environmental protection and energy conservation. Its compact size offers advantages in parking and maneuvering through busy channels. With a rigorous focus on safety and a commitment to innovation, the Spirit is a testament to Hui Li's design prowess.

The Spirit design has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Vehicle, Mobility, and Transportation Design category in 2018. This prestigious accolade is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Spirit's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world make it a deserving recipient of this honor.