E 301, 1993 - esoro.ch

A DECADE AHEAD IN DESIGN, CONCEPT AND TECHNOLOGY

The E301 was designed by ESORO in early 1991 and was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1993. With its well-balanced overall concept, a wealth of technical innovations and a convincing design, it caused a sensation and set a new standard for efficient lightweight electric-driven cars. And, also for compact vehicles in general. Its drag coefficient of 0.195 is, even today, an absolute record value for a four-seater vehicle and its consumption of 9 kWh/100 km from the mains, means that the E301 holds still the record in its category. Safety, efficiency and comfort has been combined for the first time with lightweight construction, a modular bodyshell concept and an open system for three different drive concepts – electric, hybrid and small IC-engine.

Bodyshell concept

A self-supporting safety passenger cell, contrasted in a light or dark color and consisting of only a few parts, formed the structure of the vehicle. The paneling, window and tinted plastic bodyshell components allow maximum flexibility. Design copyright was applied for in 1992 for this concept. Different of today’s cars feature this concept in modified form.

Die selbsttragende Composit-Karosserie erlaubt ohne grossen Aufwand modulare Änderungen an den Heckaufbauten: Nach Bedarf kann der ESORO E301 als Coupé, Hochheck, Mini-Pick-up oder als Cabriolet ausgeführt werden. Der absichtlich im Design betonte Bogen der Sicherheitsfahrgastzelle in Kunststoffbauweise gewährleistet den Wiedererkennungswert der Marke.

Als weitere Innovation verfügt der E301 über halbrunde, patentierte Drehfenster und Doppelgelenktüren.

Four variants

The self-supporting composite bodyshell allows modular modifications to the rear body sections without major effort: the ESORO E301 can be designed as required as a coupé, high-back, mini pick-up or convertible. The arch of the safety passenger cell made of plastic and which is emphasized intentionally in this design ensures a high recognition value for the marque.

One other innovation of the E301 is its semicircular, patented swivel windows and double-hinged doors.