Johnson Controls, formerly a supplier to the auto industry, is taking a bold step forward with their ie:3 concept car, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show.
The car is powered by enough of JC's lithium-ion battery packs to enable a 100-mile range, and the under-floor design provides both a flat floor and plenty of storage space with those flip-up seats; the front passenger side, for instance, can reportedly fit a suitcase (though getting it in and out should be interesting). Overhead LED lighting, recycleable seat materials and an honest-to-God standard plug for accessories round out the car.
Johnson Controls says the ie:3 will be production-ready by 2015.
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