forvision (Germany, 2011)

Smart's Forvision Concept takes a normal Smart Fortwo and adds technology that Daimler has been developing with German chemical company BASF. Using new forms of insulation, reflection, lightweight components, solar cells and LEDs, the Forvision is a concept that shows off all of the technologies Daimler plans to incorporate into future vehicles. 

The Forvision stresses light weight and efficiency. Its wheels are produced from reinforced plastic and are each 3kg lighter than a standard wheel. Similar to the BMW i3 and i8, the Forvision uses carbon-fiber-reinforced resin for the doors that weigh half as much as steel doors. 

The major component of the Forvision is its roof composed of transparent solar cells. The cells are made from organic dyes that can sense the presence of light. They produce enough energy to power car's multimedia systems and the fans for the HVAC system. As long as there is enough light, the system keeps the car's fan permanently activated to keep it cool. 

The roof is also embedded with OLEDS that allow for an effect similar to the Magic Sky Control already used in the Mercedes SLK. During the day, the roof is transparent, but at the press of a button it can emit light to brighten the vehicle.

The seats are also optimized to improve weight and efficiency. E-textiles are used in the seats that are better conductors of heat compared to normal seat fabrics. This these e-textiles it does not take as much energy to make occupants feel comfortable in cars with heated or cooled seats. The seats themselves are 20% lighter than standard seats high-tech, lightweight foam developed by BASF.

Mercedes estimates that the combination of all of these materials increases the range of an electric vehicle by 20%