Foldable Cars

Researchers from MIT have developed a highly efficient electric car for commuting around the city. Dubbed the Hiriko, the tiny vehicle is powered by a single electric engine and can fold in on itself once parked to become even smaller. In addition, the wheels can rotate 360 degrees making parallel parking much easier as drivers can simply steer sideways into the parking spot.

Retailing for $16,210, Hiriko cars will initially be launched in European cities as part of a car-sharing program and are expected to be ready by 2013. No official information has been released on which cities will be participating, but Berlin and Barcelona have expressed interest.

The Hiriko was designed as part of MIT’s Smart Cities program and more innovative transportation projects like this are currently being worked on by the research team.