The Chinese brand GAC surprised us at the last Milan Design Week with this proposal for an electric vehicle for trips to the most remote places
Guangzhou Automobile Group ( GAC Group ) already surprised us last September with the presentation of its first proposal for the GAC Car Culture series, the 1, a futuristic barqueta named Barchetta . This first concept was made to celebrate the inauguration of its design center in Milan, at number 16 of the well-known Via Tortona, until recently an area full of small mechanical workshops that have now been converted into art and design studios, such as the case of the GAC design center, located in one of those premises and where we were able to see both Car Culture 1 and the new Car Culture 2 “live”.
The Car Culture series wants to explore new car concepts, with a focus on freedom, emotions and the car as a symbol of adventure and exploration that allows us to travel wherever we want. The new parameter that GAC adds is sustainability and the minimum carbon footprint, both in the manufacture and in the use of these new concepts with a significant emotional charge, such as the Barchetta and now this curious concept of an electric campervan.
Van Life is the result of the joint work of the director of GAC Milan, Stephane Janin, and the head of the studio, Yann Jarsalle, to shape both the exterior and the interior of this curious camper. According to its creators, the exterior design offers excellent aerodynamics despite its forms that a priori are not very stylized. In its construction, recycled plastics are used to the maximum and carbon fiber and aluminum are
Its electric motors are powered by a next-generation solid-state battery, which its creators advertise as more efficient, safer, and longer-lasting than current lithium-ion batteries. The traction system, the suspension with adjustable height and its amazing wheels allow you the best traction on all types of terrain from sand or mud to snow and rocky areas. The tires themselves are transformed to adapt to the traction needs of each firm .
One of the most amazing technologies that the GAC Van Life incorporates is its AD navigation system for autonomous driving, capable of maintaining the route even in the most remote places, without roads or roads and without Internet. Its reference is the position of the stars to orient ourselves, as it has been done for centuries before technology and satellites were in charge of orienting us on land, sea and in the air . The four small circular “towers” that emerge from the ceiling are in charge of controlling this form of guidance.
The Van Life cabin has a floating frame (Orbital Frame) on which different elements can be placed, from seats to a hammock that acts as a bed, through different storage systems or any device to adapt to the needs of the adventurers. Even the dashboard itself is anchored to that frame. Different systems are extracted from the sides to make life easier outside, such as tables, seats or hidden lamps to enjoy outdoor stays.