CLEVER

Crowded cities, narrow streets and the energy crisis challenge Europe critically for solutions that we have yet to face. High prices and noise add to the challenge. Cooperative Universities in Germany, France, Austria and the UK jointly engineered a ready to produce solution called the CLEVER. Do we not love the anonyms; Compact Low Emissions Vehicle Urban Transportation. The public may receive CLEVER better than the Sedgway. It runs on compressed natural gas, is only a meter wide and leans in when rounding a corner and it carries one passenger plus groceries. BMW is involved, so it may happen.

If we cannot make the leap from gasoline to hydrogen or pure electric, CNG makes a logical intermediate progression towards more advanced cleaner more efficient fuels. Gas we have plenty of. Halfway between a motorcycle and a Cooper, this tricycle may appeal. It looks cute and reports to have added occupant protection. Can GM deliver fuel cells? Can Honda deliver their hydrogen generator? Will solar panels and the plug-ins prevail? I think we should race these things at Indianapolis and bring back some real excitement.