Trikes with a difference, might be one way to describe these tilting three wheelers and they both deserve our serious attention. The BMW CLEVER (Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport) concept vehicle and the Carver, produced by Carver Europe in the Netherlands, are two very similar vehicles built to answer essentially the same question, how best to address the issues of urban congestion and pollution. The CLEVER project focused more on the issue of emissions and as a result uses a compressed natural gas powerplant.
The Carver has been produced in limited numbers on a hand built basis and delivered to customers in Europe. They project regular production of up to 500 units sometime this year. The CLEVER is a concept vehicle only and was just introduced by BMW a few days ago.
Similarities in the Carver and CLEVER
Both vehicles are configured as a single front wheel tricycle layout driven by the pair of rear wheels. Because any narrow vehicle, and especially a single front wheel trike, will tip over in turns even at relatively low speeds, the designers created a hydraulic mechanism to automatically tilt the entire portion of the vehicles in front of the rear drive wheels. Tilting into the turn like a motorcycle moves the center of gravity inward and keeps the vehicle upright. The tilting is automatic and does not require any weight shifting from the driver and the steering is done with an automotive like wheel.
Both the Carver and CLEVER offer full roll cage like protection for the occupants plus weather protection, as well. The Carver has a removable hardtop and a roll on softop plus electric windows so you have the option of driving in a very open configuration like a motorcycle plus tilting in the turns, giving a very motorcycle like experience. It’s hard to say what variations are available on the CLEVER from the information so far available.
Specifications for the Carver and CLEVER
The Carver is powered by a 659cc inline 4 cylinder engine through a 5 speed manual transmission with reverse in the European version, although a different engine plus an automatic transmission will be installed for North American versions. Top speed is 115mph with 0-60 in 8.2 seconds. It gets 40mpg. Tandem seating for two. Price ranges from 29,950 euro ($37,129) to 37,560 euro ($46,563) depending on options.
The BMW CLEVER concept vehicle is powered by compressed natural gas, has a top speed of 60mph and is said to get the equivalent of 108mpg. 0-40 is about 7 seconds. Tandem seating for two. The CNG powerplant offers very low emissions and the possibility of home refueling while other alternative powerplants are under consideration.
General Observations
The projected price according to some sources of $10,000 for the CLEVER seems extremely optimistic when you consider the price of a reasonably equipped BMW motorcycle with far less complexity, something closer to twice that seems more realistic. The CLEVER’s performance is more like that of a scooter than a motorcycle and unless someone was truly committed to making an environmental statement it’s probably too slow. Even urban commuters need a bit more than that on occasion.
The Carver’s performance numbers seem quite good and the range of options make it appear to be an enjoyable ride, actually it looks like it might be a lot of fun.
Considering the number of trikes that are sold, especially to those who find motorcycles are getting to be a bit too much to handle, these tilting 3 wheelers could offer the same tilting and handling experience in a much easier to master package. The roll cage protection would appeal to many, even those who would otherwise not look at a motorcycle for safety reasons. The small size might make for a viable inner city commuter. The weather protection could extend the motorcycle like season to practically a year round activity.
Can the Carver sell in large numbers at the price they are asking? Since it is hand built and limited production, they may sell what they can make. Volume production which would lead to a drop in price is probably necessary to sell many more. How many more? Hard to say.
The CLEVER is still a concept so until prices and performance are nailed down, everything is just speculation. With other manufacturers developing 3 wheelers like the VW GX3, it looks like companies are willing to expand their horizons beyond the options we’ve had so far. Will the CLEVER make it to production? Time will tell.
(Thanks to all of you who sent email pointing out the CLEVER. With that much interest it seemed we should take a look! 🙂 )
Links: Carver
CLEVER project via Physorg.com and Leftlane News
Matt says
While both of these seem like items that bikers might try, I don’t really see any conversion of the commuting masses to any of these micro type vehicles in the U.S. anytime soon. People here aren’t too keen on giving up the mainstream appearance of their Camrys and Accord, or SUVs for that matter, to hop on/in anything like this which is guranteed to draw stares, but not for reasons that Americans want to stand out from the crowd. The only promising trend is for vehicles like the Fit, Yaris and Versa to create a trend towards more consumer acceptance of micro vehicles.
todd says
Where are the benefits? You can hardly lane split in the thing and it doesn’t seem nearly manueverable as say a vespa which is probably quicker and gets better mileage than the carver. Besides, a Vespa says “Hip”, “Cool” whereas I have no clue what these say.
I think for the kind of money that these things will go for and if you’re keen on making an environmental statement with a three wheeler, you’re much better off getting a Corbin Sparrow.
-todd
Prester John says
Isetta down and though long and hard about this. (Sorry!) Here’s my theory, and you’re welcome to it:
BMW gave the “clean sheet of paper, vehicle of the future” a shot with the C1 scooter. It was an amazing piece of technology that worked as advertised, but did not sell in numbers large enough to justify continued production.
So BMW, being the intelegent, thoughtful folks they are, decided to take what they learned with the C1 and apply it to a formula the market has accepted: the Smart car. The result is the CLEVER.
Tom
PS – It’s been said before, but in many places in America: 3 wheels = car pool lane.
merv pindard says
The CLEVER car is a brilliant concept, but if BMW do put it into production I hope they put a decent engine in. I presume they used the 200cc engine from the old C1 simply for test purposes, and it was available. It is far too underpowered at approx 45bhp/ton. I’ve looked at the power/weight ratios of various small cars and nothing comes this low. It would need at least 40 to 50bhp to keep up with traffic and be fun. Why not use the 650cc Rotax engine from their F650CS motorcycle. If they get it right it could be the start of a complete new type of vehicle range, safer, more comfortable and less hassle than a motorcycle. More fun & economy than a car.
Steven Jordan says
In Australia the of enviromental cars is dead , we see them sell for the same amount as leading makers like Ford falcon and Holden Commodore , as with smart, Toyota Prius and Honda Hybird cars, they all sell for $27,000+AU in this country.
So My point is that the only way to get people to buy these things is make them Cheaper like Under $10,000AU. I perfer a 6 than a 1 cycle. Now all BMW has to do is work on their tight asses.
Yes I know ,the more they are in demand the cheaper they will be? Whoopi!! People will never buy them. Only the rich and stupid…
Geoff says
I have been following the Clever since its inception. Unlike Mat’s thought about the Clever not catching on in the US I would fork out 10k tomorrow to get one of these rigs. Yeah we paid up to $4.98/gal this last Summer and the price is back down to $2.68/gal, but this is not going to last.
I too drive an SUV, sports coups and roadsters, but having an ability to get this type of mileage at the same time having a fun drive would be a real lot of fun. So for the folks who like pouring the gas on the ground just give me your wallets.
Oh 50MPH does stink, but get me one and I am sure I can figure out how to make it go faster.
Ben Keeley says
Why dont these things have tilting rear wheeels like the ” egg” prototype at epcot from 25 years ago? I’m sure GMs pruchase of that patent runs out eventually since they carefully refuse to use it.
Fred Gantt says
I have followed the Carver since it was intrduced a couple of years ago and at international auto shows. I was impressed with it then, and am elated with the fact that the production model is being prepared for the US. I await the arrival however, I may have to stand in line behind the rich who will have abetter chance of getting one way before i will. The concept is fantastic to reality! Imagine, sitting in the cockpit and as you make those hairpin turns, you have the feeling of flying the road instead of just driving it! Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not insinuating that this will at all replace the Corvettes, Rx8, Lotus, or BMW Z4 of our days. However, you have to be honest with yourself, the fun that this brings to “getting there” is not only unique but astounding. None of the aforementioned vehicles provide a view of flying the road like a jet pilot and get the gas milage that this promises. I do agree with one of the writers that the pricing is a bit challenging. I would like to see it come down to a little more affordable price of say, about 25 – 28k. I’m sure that the public will be more inclined to spending that amount therefore, putting more on the road which is the goal….. right?
Darrell says
Bring it on, just what we need and many of us want! I for one am tired of hauling 2 tons of steel around just to get my puggy body to work and back. A tilting car, that rides quiet and has all the amenities of a car (AC-heat, enclosed cab, radio etc.)is a long time coming. A car like that provide the feel and fuel economy of a motorcycle but is not limited to decent weather to drive, BRING IT ON!!!.
mark hitsman says
alls i know is i already told the wife im buying one as soon as i can the clever is cheaper but the engine needs to be bigger and faster,i want to run this on the hiway for about 12 miles,but need to put the truck in the garage till it snows pls power up the engine and get them here in the u.s.ill buy one
Web Malaysia says
Carver or Clever ? There is another choice : the Peraves Monotracer. This two-wheeler ( during cruising ) has a retractable wheels used when slowing down and stopping.
jimi says
I LOVE THEM ! WHO CARES IF THEY ARE A TREND OR NOT ! BUY 1 IF U LIKE EM AND IF YOU DONT GET SOME TASTE!
Tom Buglia says
I would buy The Clever today. Looking for up-dates on it’s development and or production.