French vehicle maker Peugeot has unveiled an electric car inspired by a motorcycle.

The BB1 concept car can seat four people, even though it is only 2,5 m long.

The urban zip-around has a turning circle of 3,5 m, while most standard cars are at around 10 m.

Its size also means it can park in some particularly tight spots.

But how does one fit four adults into such a small car?

It was made possible through the reinvention of the driving position, with the driver sitting more vertical than usual. This is achieved through the absence of floor pedals.

The driver also uses a bike-type steering mechanism, and not a steering wheel.

The rear passenger is seated in tandem – again, almost as if on a motorcycle – behind the driver.

On the right-hand side, front and rear passengers sit in a similar arrangement.

Access to the vehicle is through the inverted door opening mechanism, while boot access is through a tailboard and a tailgate.

The interior can be transformed as required to offer a load volume of 160 ∙ with four occu- pants, rising to 855 ∙ with just one person in the car.

Rear-view cameras remove the need for mirrors, optimising the width of the vehicle and improving aerodynamics.

The BB1 is fitted with electric motors in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin.

This set-up maximises the interior space. It draws its inspiration from the quad bike, with a maximum power output of 15 kW (20 hp) – or 7,5 kW per motor.

The vehicle can reach zero to 30 km/h in 2,8 seconds, and 60 km/h in another four seconds.

Maximum speed is 90 km/h.

The lithium-ion batteries have a 120-km range before they require recharging.

Two battery packs supply energy to the two respective electric motors, and are fitted under the right and left rear seats, thereby avoiding any reduction in the interior and storage space.

The body of the BB1 is based on a tubular chassis, designed by Peugeot Motorcycles.

The vehicle includes all normal vehicle dynamic systems: electric power steering, suspension (double-wishbone front and rear suspension), and friction damper spring assemblies.

The body is made up of a light carbon structure, designed to wrap around the passenger compartment, all of which enables potential future customisation and the possibility of a variety of vehicle shapes.

The vehicle weighs around 600 kg.

When the vehicle is stationary, the passenger compartment ventilation keeps operating in daylight, thanks to the solar panels placed on the roof of the vehicle.

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