The innovative Phylla zero-emission prototype, that captures solar energy to power its electric motors and features extensive use of recycled materials, has been inaugurated to given its first test drives to Turinese VIPs.

The innovative Phylla zero-emission prototype, that captures solar energy to power its electric motors and features extensive use of recycled materials, has been inaugurated to given its first test drives to Turinese VIPs.

The ceremony took place at the Environment Park di Torino, in the presence of the Piedmontese Regional President Mercedes Bressoand the city council's member who is responsible for Research, Innovation and Energy, Andrea Bairati. Other VIPs present at the event included the head of Centro Ricerche Fiat, Nevio Di Giusto; from the Politecnico di Torino, Francesco Profumo, and also the President of the Environment Park, Mauro Chianale. The Phylla project also celebrates Turin's position as the World Design Capital 2008.

This highly ambitious project has realised under the guidance of the Fiat Group's R&D division, Centro Ricerche Fiat, with the Politecnico di Torino acting as project leader and manager; meanwhile other key contributors to the Phylla project include Camera di Commercio di Torino, From Concept to Car, l’Istituto Europeo di Design e l’Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design, Novamont e il Consorzio Proplast, Sagat, Enecom, Sydera and Bee Studio.

The Phylla prototype is a 2+2 seat sub-A-segment urban car that captures solar energy in order to power electric motors that drive all four of its wheels. The car is 1980 mm high, 2995 mm long and 1618 mm high, with a luggage capacity of 142 litres (2+2 seats) 584 litres (2 seats). Riding on a lightweight split-frame aluminium chassis, the Phylla weighs just 750 kg (of which 150 kg is the battery weight) and it boast a 145 km range when using lithium ion batteries, or 220 km with lithium polymer ones in situ. The 0 to 50 km/h dash is achieved in six seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h.

The inauguration of test drives took place at the Turin Environment Park which was founded in 1996, through an initiative of the Piedmont Region, the Province of Turin, the City of Turin and the European Union, and represents an original experiment in the field of European Scientific and Technological Parks as it successfully combines technological innovation and eco-efficiency. Environment Park also constitutes a centre of excellence for Information and Communication Technology companies, in line with the technological vocation of the Torino area and the entire Piedmont Region. The Park’s mission is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with advanced solutions and innovative technologies in the fields of energy and the environment, through partnerships, special projects, specific training activities and the organisation of thematic events. Located in Spina 3, one of the main development areas in the city of Turin, just 1 km from Porta Susa Station and the new underground, and little more than 15 minutes from Caselle Airport, it is part of the newly developed Parco Dora: approximately 400,000 sqm in size, the new green lung of the whole city.