The First Bio-Based Cars

 

Cadillac recently introduced the Sollei, a green concept vehicle which incorporates bio-based materials.  The Cadillac Sollei is an electric luxurious convertible which features interiors made from Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks.  The luxury biobased material was grown from mushroom roots.   The material was incorporated into the wireless charging pad, interior door map pockets and behind the screen.   The interior décor is wrapped in unstained wood veneers while the windshields are framed in brushed aluminum.  The Sollei boasts a luxury Manila cream finish, a pale creamy yellow hue that was used in 1957 and 1958 models.

The name “Sollei” has root word SOL (meaning sun) and LEI (meaning leisure).  It was Cadillac’s mission to design a vehicle which is representative of an “open-air, leisurely lifestyle.”  Design director, Erin Crossley expressed the vision for the Cadillac Sollei.  

“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them.  The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”   Cadillac is on a mission to be a pioneer of renewable automotive resources.

Cadillac is not the first car company to introduce a concept car made with bio-based materials.  It is the first American car company to do so.  Mercedes Benz released their Vision EQXX green concept car in the summer of 2022 at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.  The EQXX is a solar powered electric sedan that is able to be driven more 625 miles with a single charge.   It features an 8K resolution panoramic wide screen and can go from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The German based car company claims that the average round and about driver would only need to charge the EQXX twice per month.

Solar panels and Fine Mycellium™ are sustainable features that comprise the luxury Vision EQXX electric vehicle.  The interior is also made of cactus-based biomaterials, vegan silk as well as 100% bamboo fibers.  The production process of the car incorporates 3D printing which allows for the reduction of waste and removal of excess materials.  The EQXX offers an extremely lightweight battery which can also be juiced up through the car’s solar panels situated on the roof and back window.  Mercedes has not yet given a date when production will begin for the EQXX electric sedan however a sample model can be seen in action here.  

Both the Mercedes Vision EQXX and the Cadillac Sollei offer sophisticated and elegant designs with meticulous finishes.  These are the first bio-based cars to be imagined and introduced to the mainstream public.  Both cars are as stunning as they are revolutionary. The concept designs pushes the boundaries for what a future of green and bio-based cars would like.  They are both tailored to meet the needs of clientele living a green lifestyle.