Carver three wheeler

Last Friday I spent about 80 miles (Birmingham to Cambridge) traveling in the company of a curious looking three wheeled machine. At one point (roadworks it seems do have their uses) I was able to make out the stylised silver writing on the back, and later, a little Internet searching revealed the machine to be a Carver1 by Dutch builders Vandenbrink.

An even lighter, more advanced concept can be found at CLEVER, a design concept with groups such as BMW, the University of Bath and Avon Tyres taking part. More geared to commuting (lower speeds and shorter range) I really think these are the kind of machines that the government should be subsidising (or encouraging mass-manufacture) to reduce the price1 from sportscar to sensible commuter.

The environmental benefits are also notable; the Carver has only a 660cc engine and although it is similarly sized to my Clio, there is about 400kg less stuff used to make it.

1The Carver goes for about £23,500 - Lotus Elise territory.

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