Melbourne TAXI 2020 Concept is Plug-in and Fuel Cell Car All In One

In brief: RMIT University student Damian Lucaciu has won the James Dyson Australian Design Award for his hydrogen fuel-cell, plug-in electric Melbourne TAXI 2020 concept.

The word

The design concept for the Melbourne TAXI 2020 is a computer model of a futuristic taxi that is electrically-driven with seating for four (plus the driver), and storing energy in both hydrogen tanks and lithium-ion batteries.

The taxi design includes solar panels on the rooftop for parked recharging and climate controls, the capability to be quickly recharged via hydrogen (making it comparable to gasoline taxis) or for longer, more efficient recharging through plug-in batteries.

Both the driver and passengers have access to GPS, accommodations for disabilities, a SmartCard payment system, entertainment options, and easy curbside access. At the rear of the taxi, the bumper extends out to reveal a deck for extra baggage, bicycles, etc.

And so ...

Very innovative and interesting concept from this young designer.

Photo credits: ADA/JDA