This paper presents a Japanese proposal for an electric vehicle transport system, suitable for mass car availability in Asiatic countries. The proposal is designed to reduce the deterioration of the environment, expected from the extensive availability of electric vehicles in Asia, and the generation of greenhouse gases by electric vehicle traffic. It also examines possible solutions to the serious problems of energy use, accidents, and congestion. Its basic electric vehicle has two seats, one in front and one behind. The basic model can do 250km of urban driving on one battery charge, and has 130kph top speed. It can be charged by solar cells only, allowing an 18,000km annual range. Its purchase price could be below that of a standard Japanese minicar. The proposal also shows how accident rates could be greatly reduced by implementing an automatic driving system, whose functions would include collision prevention, proper stopping of cars at red lights, and keeping cars within their traffic lanes. It could significantly increase road and car park capacities, allow multi-layered three-dimensional road structures, and simplify urban road construction. Implementing the proposal step by step could eventually solve all problems currently caused by electric vehicles.
Abstract