The same way a maglev trail flies down its tracks, the tires of the ZiV propel its occupants to their next destination. Designed by Chris Latta, the Zero impact Vehicle (ZiV) is just that, zero impact means no environmental emissions. The only emission is water from the system’s super efficient hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell generates the power needed to control both the levitation magnets and the propulsion magnets. Levitation magnets hold the tire floating free, only millimeters from the stationary rim while propulsion magnets control the movements of the tire, acceleration and braking.
With all turning controlled by the propulsion magnets, the rims don’t have to move for correcting direction; the tire on one side merely slows down allowing the vehicle to turn. The magnets reverse polarity and bring the tire to a gentle, controlled stop in the event of braking. The interior has enough room to seat two for comfortable trips to the store or a short weekend trip to the beach. Driven with two joysticks like a skid steer or bobcat, the ZiV is nimble and easily controlled. With its compact size, no moving parts and no emissions, the ZiV really is the next step in urban travel.
[Thanks, Chris]