LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY -- Daimler and BASF have developed a new concept electric vehicle, the smart forvision, which showcases advances in energy efficiency, temperature management and lightweight design, the companies said. 

The smart forvision will have its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

 "The smart forvision is an impressive example of what can be achieved when two leading companies from two very different sectors sit down together,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler AG board member responsible for group research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “It was exciting to see how our developers and designers worked with the researchers at BASF and came up with a joint vehicle concept that provides a meaningful insight into the future of electric mobility." 

Transparent organic solar cells, transparent organic light-emitting diodes, all-plastic wheels, new lightweight body components and infrared-reflective films and coatings all help to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption and increase its range.

The smart forvision features energy-efficient solutions such as roof solar cells based on organic-chemical dyes. Moreover, the car has all-plastic wheels suitable for series production. They are made from the new material Ultramid Structure, developed by BASF. This material, which is just as stable as metal, can reduce weight by up to 30 percent, BASF said.