City Cars Reign Supreme at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

We have been covering auto shows for a number of years now, but never have we seen such a focus on green <a title="Inhabitat: city car" href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=city+car" target="_blank">city cars</a> as at this year's <a title="Inhabitat: Frankfurt Motor Show" href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=frankfurt+motor+show" target="_blank">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> in Germany. From Volkswagen to Opel, major automakers were lining up to show off their futuristic electric street cars. Even luxury automakers were showing off their best <a title="Frankfurt Motor Show: Jaguar C X16 Hybrid" href="http://inhabitat.com/jaguar-reveals-its-hybrid-c-x16-retro-coupe-at-the-frankfurt-motor-show/" target="_blank">hybrids</a> and <a title="Inhabitat: Mercedes-Benz F125, Laura Cowan" href="http://inhabitat.com/first-video-mercedes-benzs-zero-emissions-f-125-luxury-sedan/" target="_blank">fuel cell</a> concepts, but the attention went to the little guys, such as this open-wheeled Urban concept electric car from <a title="Audi" href="http://www.audiusa.com" target="_blank">Audi</a>. The futuristic concept features electric in-wheel motors, a drop top (there was a hardtop version as well), and a compact size for easy navigation of congested city traffic.

The <a title="Inhabitat: Opel One Euro Car, Laura K. Cowan" href="http://inhabitat.com/one-euro-car-opel-will-add-another-electric-city-car-to-the-frankfurt-mix/" target="_blank">One Euro Car</a> concept from Opel is similar to the Audi Urban Concept, with narrowly set rear wheels, a tiny trunk, and zero emissions propulsion: the One Euro Car only costs one Euro to do its thing on single charge, taking the average German commuter as far as he needs to go with no compromises.

The much-anticipated <a title="Inhabitat: BMW i3 and i8" href="http://inhabitat.com/bmw-unveils-details-on-its-breakthrough-iseries-concept-vehicles/" target="_blank">BMW i8</a> was also on hand to show BMW's vision of a green future. Shown next to its all-electric i3 cousin, the i8 proves four-seaters can be green as well. This range-extended EV will actually be built in 2014, with estimated overall fuel economy of 78 miles per gallon.

Another open-wheel concept from the Volkswagen brands. The <a title="Inhabitat: VW NILS concept, Laura K. Cowan" href="http://inhabitat.com/volkswagen-jumps-on-the-city-car-bandwagon-with-the-nils-concept/" target="_blank">NILS concept</a> from VW is an all-electric commuter car with a similarly tiny trunk and efficient lithium ion battery. We love how automakers are exploring the possibilities of two-seaters, or 1 + 1 toggled seating arrangements, in city cars to maximize efficiency.

Finally a Smart car from Smart that does something remarkable. Hexagonal transparent solar cells on the <a title="Inhabitat: Smart Forvision" href="http://inhabitat.com/smarts-forvision-ev-concept-shines-bright-with-a-sleek-yet-funky-form/" target="_blank">Smart Forvision's</a> roof let in light and also help power the tiny car's lighting and climate control systems. The Forvision also makes use of superlight carbon fiber body parts and insulated body panels to maximize efficiency.

Cars with lasers attached. The <a title="Inhabitat: Audi A2, Laura Cowan" href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=audi+a2" target="_blank">Audi A2</a> electric concept brought this new technology to the show floor to help us envision the future of lighting design and efficiency. The A2 has light bars down its sides as well to show off animated LED turn signals and other lighting options on Audi's future green vehicles.

BMW is also exploring the wonders of instant torque from electric motors with this e-scooter. As much as the company bashes electric <a title="Inhabitat: sustainable transportation, editor Laura Cowan" href="http://inhabitat.com/transportation/" target="_blank">transportation technology</a>, they seem to be investing quite heavily in it for future vehicle offerings.