The car will make its debut during at the EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver in September.
The Kestrel is an electric, four passenger compact vehicle, designed and engineered by Motive, of Calgary, Alberta. The body of the car is made from bio-composite material using hemp mats produced by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) in Edmonton, Alberta.
Prototyping and testing will begin on the vehicle later in August. The goal is to achieve the same mechanical properties as glass composites while achieving a reduction in weight.
According to Dr John Wolodko at AITF, bio-composites are becoming more popular due to their low cost and light weight.
“Natural materials such as hemp can offer a green and sustainable alternative to conventional fibres used in composites,” he says.
Motive Industries has designed the Kestrel for participation in Project Eve, a Canadian initiative with the goal of furthering the production of electric vehicles and electric vehicle components in Canada.
