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Auto textiles (car interiors) can be found in the “iChange”
12 Mar '09
6 min read
An initial walk-around reveals that the concept car has no doors. The entire electrically powered roof section of the car measuring just 1.03 meters in height tilts forward to allow passengers to board. Also gone are such mundane things as a key. Its role is filled by an Apple iPhone, which also controls the most important vehicle functions.
This revolutionary technology meets highest demands on sound quality, weighs much less than ordinary systems and at the same time uses only a fraction of energy. This opens the door to a new dimension of energy efficiency. The route guidance of the navigation system is also especially ecofriendly: The system calculates the most energy-saving route and displays the directions in realistic 3D view. When it comes to the subject of heating systems, the "iChange" is as versatile as its car body.
Because the electric motor produces too little waste heat, the concept vehicle depends on a highperformance auxiliary heater. The Esslingen-based Eberspächer Group – one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle heating systems – designed two tailor-made ecological heating systems especially for this project: an electric heater as well as an ethanol 85 heater. This optimally accentuates the advantages of the two technologies: The entirely emission free electric PTC heater proves itself at short distances. Over long distances, the battery-independent alternative fuel-powered heater ensures a significantly longer operating range of the vehicle. As a result, even the heater of the "iChange" variably adjusts to the respective requirements.
The pure wool used in the interior was further refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using state-ofthe-art processes. The wool is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards. It provides an extremely extravagant ambiance in the 'iChange,' looks stunning and is delicate to the touch. The competence partner Strähle + Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. Its surface character and materiality combine to create a symbiosis of shell, firmness and frothy air.
Unconventional techniques create unusual surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats cushions are adorned with the prototype's name. Xmobil provided further customization services. While textiles can be found in the „iChange“ in their original form in other areas, they are newly interpreted on seats and cargo floor using various refinement techniques such as braiding and gathering and a combination of both. Leather strips alternate with technical textiles.
The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into threedimensional shapes. This transfers the adaptive concept of the “iChange” to the interior as well. The diamond-coated anti-slip floor is supplied by abrasives specialist KGS. The Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy (Bundesamt für Energie) supports the “iChange” project as a groundbreaking research and development project. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the fan to keep temperatures in the “iChange” comfortably low on hot summer days.
This revolutionary technology meets highest demands on sound quality, weighs much less than ordinary systems and at the same time uses only a fraction of energy. This opens the door to a new dimension of energy efficiency. The route guidance of the navigation system is also especially ecofriendly: The system calculates the most energy-saving route and displays the directions in realistic 3D view. When it comes to the subject of heating systems, the "iChange" is as versatile as its car body.
Because the electric motor produces too little waste heat, the concept vehicle depends on a highperformance auxiliary heater. The Esslingen-based Eberspächer Group – one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle heating systems – designed two tailor-made ecological heating systems especially for this project: an electric heater as well as an ethanol 85 heater. This optimally accentuates the advantages of the two technologies: The entirely emission free electric PTC heater proves itself at short distances. Over long distances, the battery-independent alternative fuel-powered heater ensures a significantly longer operating range of the vehicle. As a result, even the heater of the "iChange" variably adjusts to the respective requirements.
The pure wool used in the interior was further refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using state-ofthe-art processes. The wool is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards. It provides an extremely extravagant ambiance in the 'iChange,' looks stunning and is delicate to the touch. The competence partner Strähle + Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. Its surface character and materiality combine to create a symbiosis of shell, firmness and frothy air.
Unconventional techniques create unusual surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats cushions are adorned with the prototype's name. Xmobil provided further customization services. While textiles can be found in the „iChange“ in their original form in other areas, they are newly interpreted on seats and cargo floor using various refinement techniques such as braiding and gathering and a combination of both. Leather strips alternate with technical textiles.
The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt alternates with technical textiles formed into threedimensional shapes. This transfers the adaptive concept of the “iChange” to the interior as well. The diamond-coated anti-slip floor is supplied by abrasives specialist KGS. The Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy (Bundesamt für Energie) supports the “iChange” project as a groundbreaking research and development project. Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the fan to keep temperatures in the “iChange” comfortably low on hot summer days.
SCHOELLER TECHNOLOGIES AG
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