This year’s Frankfurt Auto Show has seen a cavalcade of new cars and concepts unveiled. We’ve tried to cover all the important announcements in the news section at eurotuner.com However, one concept caught our eye in particular – the cute BB1 from Peugeot that combines motorcycle and car technology with electric power.
It’s a zero-emissions vehicle designed for city use and offers a range of 75 miles for up to four (small) occupants. It seems to offer an interesting update to the Smart car, yet combines cuteness with an interesting mix of high-tech and forward-leaning aggression.

The concept is aimed at meeting the needs for transport without pollution. Yet its only 8ft long and has an 11.5ft turning circle, making it highly maneuverable.
The amazing use of interior space can be adapted to increase the potential load capacity, even though its "compact" size gives it the ability to park in extremely tight spots - even perpendicular to the sidewalk, just like the Smart.
To meet this challenge, the designer took inspiration from Peugeot’s two-wheeled vehicles. So the driver controls the vehicle with a more vertical driving position thanks to the absence of foot pedals.
Access to the vehicle is through the reverse opening doors, while the load area is accessed through an innovative tail board/tailgate. The interior can be transformed as required to offer a load volume of up to 160 liters (with four occupants), or 855 liters (with just one person in the car).

The style of the BB1 highlights the interior space and unique driving position. With its bold lines at the front, large glazed area, low waistline (for the passenger compartment ventilation system) and extended fenders, the car represents something fresh in vehicle design.
The BB1 includes an extensive range of interactive technologies. The color multi-function display and the vehicle's audio system provide the link for all functions of a “smart phone”: telephone, navigation, internet access, radio, MP3, etc.
There’s also a rear-view cameras remove the need for mirrors, optimizing the width of the vehicle and improving aerodynamics.
The BB1 breaks new ground with its electric drive system. It is fitted with two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin. This set-up maximizes the interior space and draws its inspiration from quad bikes. They produce a maximum of 15kW (20hp) - or 7.5kW per motor, proving the optimum power to weight ratio in the urban environment.
This ensures the best possible response at start-up (0-19mph in 2.8 seconds) and excellent in-gear acceleration (19-37mph in 4 seconds).
The power for the vehicle is provided by two lithium-ion battery packs under the right and left-hand rear seats, with a comfortable range of 75 miles. This layout avoids any reduction in interior space or storage space. Furthermore, the location helps with the weight distribution to benefit stability, especially during braking.
The BB1 uses a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles. It still, however, includes electric power steering and double-wishbone suspension front and rear.
The body is made from carbon fiber to enable future customization and the possibility of a variety of vehicle shapes.
Finally, the weight does not exceed 1300 lb, including the batteries.

Thanks to its electric propulsion, the BB1 is a environmentally-friendly, emitting no noise or pollution. At a standstill, the cabin ventilation continues operating in daylight thanks to the solar panels on the roof. The panels use cutting-edge technology, designed in partnership with the Ocean Vital foundation. They are flexible (enabling use on the dual-bubble roof) and provide a high yield of around 16% of energy captured to power some of the vehicle’s systems.
The name "BB1" isn't only a reference to Peugeot's history and the "Baby Peugeot" models of 1905 and 1912. This ultra-compact, lightweight electric vehicle concept is also something of a throwback to the Peugeot VLV – 377 of these were built between 1941-45, meeting the needs of users throughout WW2.