Spider-Like Off-Road Vehicle Handles 70 Percent Grade

French engineers’ Swincar E-Spider may be world’s most effective all-terrain vehicle.

The Swincar E-Spider, an electric four-wheeler made of aluminum and centered on “technologie pendulaire,” or pendulum technology, suspends the rider from the frame of the vehicle, allowing for a unique and innovative off-road experience.

Translation:

Translation: “Pendulum balance on slopes.” Image courtesy of Mecanroc.

The wheels of the vehicle are fixed to their own independent suspension to ensure that each wheel is always in contact with the ground. Each wheel is powered by its own in-hub, 1,000-watt brushless electric motor, with a battery life of four hours — just enough time for those relaxing mountain trail and countryside excursions.

The Swincar’s extraordinary traversing abilities are possible thanks to the cockpit’s suspension within the vehicle’s frame at points above the driver’s center of mass, according to a BBC report. Rounding curves and a linkage with the driver’s seat cause the wheels to lean in the same direction.

With this system, the driver’s center of mass stays between the wheels and close to the hubs, allowing the vehicle to travel up and down 70 percent and across 50 percent grades.

The vehicle’s wide “legs” and electric engine inspired the E-Spider moniker, and its French creators over at Mecanroc hope to eventually distribute the Swincar as a recreational vehicle meant to cross any type of land.

The vehicle will soon be adapted to allow for physically disabled drivers, and future variations of the vehicle could travel in snow. A two-seater model is also in the works. Other applications may include civil security and defense, according to Mecanroc’s website.

To see their vehicle in action, check out the video below.