Hiriko

Hiriko. The Hiriko was a prototype electric vehicle and foldable car concept developed as a public-private partnership between a consortium of Basque companies and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab. Designed as a compact urban mobility solution, the vehicle featured a unique articulated steering system and the ability to reduce its length for tight parking. Although it generated significant interest at events like the European Commission's launch in Brussels, the project ultimately ceased due to financial difficulties.

History

The Hiriko project originated from the earlier MIT Media Lab CityCar research initiative, which began in 2003 under the direction of researchers like William J. Mitchell. In 2010, the Hiriko Driving Mobility consortium was formed in the Basque Country, involving companies such as Denokinn, Foro, and the European Union which provided funding through its FP7 framework programme. The first working prototype was unveiled to the public in January 2012 by then-European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in Brussels, positioning it as a flagship for sustainable transport in Europe. Despite this high-profile launch and demonstrations in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and San Francisco, the consortium struggled to secure further investment and entered administration in 2014, halting development.

Design and technology

The Hiriko's most notable design feature was its foldable car architecture, allowing the vehicle to physically shorten its wheelbase by approximately one meter for parallel parking in extremely confined spaces. This was achieved through an articulated steering system where the entire front module, containing the driver's seat and controls, pivoted. Propulsion was provided by four independent in-wheel motors, one in each wheel hub, enabling rear-wheel drive operation and a tight turning radius. The vehicle's body utilized a lightweight aluminum space frame and composite materials, while its lithium-ion battery pack was designed for easy swap station exchange to extend operational utility. The cockpit featured a drive by wire interface and a single LCD display, consolidating all vehicle functions.

Production and deployment

Production was intended to be based at the Vitoria-Gasteiz facility of German automotive supplier Gestamp, with an initial pilot fleet planned for carsharing schemes in several European Union cities. Pilot agreements were discussed with municipalities including Málaga, Berlin, and Barcelona under the EVUE project for electric vehicles in urban Europe. The business model focused on mobility as a service, with cities or operators purchasing fleets rather than individual consumer sales. However, only a handful of functional prototypes were ever built, and the planned deployment in Bilbao's Zorrotzaurre district never materialized. The project's collapse was attributed to the complexity of the technology, high projected costs, and the inability to move from prototype to series production.

Specifications

The Hiriko prototype measured 2.5 meters in length when extended, contracting to about 1.5 meters when folded. It had a width of 1.75 meters and a height of 1.55 meters, with a kerb weight of approximately 500 kg. The four in-wheel motors provided a combined output of 15 kW (20 hp), delivering a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). Energy was supplied by a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a stated range of up to 120 km (75 mi) on a single charge. The vehicle's articulated steering system allowed for a turning radius of under two meters, and it accommodated two occupants in a tandem seating arrangement.

See also

* Renault Twizy * Toyota i-Road * General Motors EN-V * MIT Media Lab * Urban mobility * Carsharing

Category:Electric vehicles Category:Microcars Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies of Spain Category:2010s concept cars