RINSPEED DOCK+GO CONCEPT TO DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Built around an electric-powered smart car, the Dock+Go cleverly adds to the carrying capacity of the inner-city compact by adding a lazy axle-style third wheel arrangement that can be added - and removed - as required. One application for the removable 'pack' is as a pizza delivery vehicle, with an integrated heated box available, while another is a mobile mechanic's toolbox, with integrated trays for repair and servicing tools. Of course, the removable pack can also be used for play as well as work, carrying gear for the beach, party or even the ski fields.

In addition to increased carrying capacity, Rinspeed believes the Dock+Go's removable pack can serve a more practical purpose for electric cars by adding to the battery carrying capacity, and thus extending the standard 120km range of the smart electric. Rinderknecht has developed an "energy pack" with a combustion engine or range extender, packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell, which substantially increases range.

Even more clever is the additional use for the docked third axle to drive the rotating second axle and thus recharge the on-board battery of the car. Rinderknecht refers to his creation as the first 'Vario-Hybrid'. In the garage at home the batteries of the third axle energy pack can be recharged with solar power from the roof, making living and driving without any CO2 emissions a reality.

While some of Rinspeed's creations are more about 'style' than 'content', this one undoubtedly has some clever 'green' thinking behind it!

The Geneva Motor Show runs from March 8-18, 2012.