The Nissan V2G concept was has taken out the Los Angeles Auto Show's 2009 Design Challenge. Entitled "Youthmobile 2030", this year's Challenge asked designers to encapsulate what tech-savvy young Gen Z drivers will be looking to take to the freeway 21 years from now. The result was six fascinating design concepts from the Californian studios of major companies, with the Nissan entry given the nod for its "holistic approach in answering the future's design questions."
The V2G (Vehicle-to-grid) is geared towards a world where the highway system is electrified courtesy of photovoltaic skins covering all major urban structures. The V2G is a low-cost transport solution that gets users on the grid via different access plans similar to mobile phone plans of today. When on the grid, the vehicles can interlock and form traveling "flocks". But the V2G design also gives Gen Z an outlet for self-expression - it can be taken "off-grid" and customized with plug-and-play upgrade kits.
Entries were judged by multi-discipline design professionals who selected the winner based on its originality of creative concept, integration of futuristic design elements and level of adaptation to the needs of the youth consumer in 2030.
"The scope of this year's concepts and designs - from the initial sketches to the final presentations - were very impressive," said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. "In the end, it came down to which team had the most inventive and solution-oriented design. Nissan's designers showed passion and were able to create the ultimate Youthmobile for 2030 with their V2G design."
Via Design Challenge.
