Motive Releases First Images of Composite Bodied Kestrel EV

In response to numerous media requests (or so the company claims), small-scale Canadian automaker Motive has released the first official images of its hemp-bodied EV city car, the Kestrel. The car was unveiled at the EV 2010 VÉ Conference and Tradeshow in Vancouver recently.

As previously reported by Carscoop, the Kestrel is a cab-forward design that seats four. It is made of a bio-fibre (hemp) based composite that is said to reduce weight, resist rust and increase impact absorption.

Along with the images, Motive has released further details of the upcoming EV. Weighing in at 1,874 lbs (850 kg), the company optimistically states that the Kestrel will be good for a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h) and a driving range of 100 miles (160 kilometers) on its lithium-ion battery power.

The Kestrel is said to be just one of the cars in the Project Eve line-up. Project Eve is a consortium of Canadian companies who want to bring electric mobility to Canada, a noble cause. Motive is one of the Project's co-founders.Nathan Armstrong, Motive's President states, "We believe this is an important step for Canada and are extremely happy to be a part of such an innovative group of companies."

A working prototype of the Kestrel is planned for mid-2011, and with full scale production and commercial sales starting in late-2012.

By Tristan Hankins