Revolutionary triple-hybrid car pedals towards a greener future

Antro Ltd recently unveiled the world’s first triple-hybrid car, the Antro Solo, which could be in general production as early as 2012. What is more, its expected USD20,000 price tag will place it among the cheapest hybrids on the market.

Hungary may not be renowned for innovative green vehicle design, but with its unusual third power source, the Antro Solo is already getting the transport industry in a spin.

Pedal power

Antro Solo is a three-seat, gas-electric hybrid with integrated rooftop solar panels to charge its battery. When fully charged, the car is capable of travelling 25 kilometres on solar-generated energy alone. This makes it perfect for sunny journeys, but what happens when the skies cloud over?

It may be reminiscent of the Flintstones, but the answer lies in pedal power. Each passenger’s seat is fitted with pedals to boost power to the vehicle’s generator. And if you’re travelling alone or your passengers grow tired, the vehicle’s standard hybrid combustion engine can run on ethanol or petrol and is impressively efficient.

Lightweight design

The Antro Solo’s aerodynamic design and carbon fibre construction, which brings its weight down to a mere 270 kilograms, puts it at the top of the fuel efficiency tables. The car consumes only 1.5 litres of petrol per 100 km, while its modest weight means its top speed is a motorway-friendly 140 km/h.

The prototype was exhibited at the Budapest Museum of Transport in June.