Rinspeed presents the smart-based Dock+Go EV range extender

Rinspeed, the innovative Swiss design house, has come up with a new “mobility concept” for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next March. The “Dock+Go” is the brainchild of Frank M. Rinderknecht, who describes it as a docking “backpack on wheels”.

The “Dock+Go” was designed to solve electric vehicle’s problems of restricted range, and although the concept study could technically be applied to any car, Rinspeed has decided to use an electric smart Fortwo to demonstrate the technology.

The “Dock+Go” is like a trailer that docks to the rear of the car. The Vario-Hybrid can be fitted with a normal internal combustion engine, a range extender, a battery pack or a fuel cell, and it drives the rear axle of the car, thus extending its range.

Rinspeed doesn’t limit its use to EV vehicles, though. Apart from the range-extending Vario-Hybrid, the “Dock+Go” can also be fitted with a variety of “packs”, from an integrated heated box suitable for pizza delivery, a toolbox, camping, golf, skiing or even a party package.