# Cost-Efficient Eco Cars The Ultra Lightweight Vehicle Will Cost 40 Cents Per Charge By manzil | Published 2010-07-02 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ultra-lightweight-vehicle References: [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/06/28/video-next-generation-electric-mini-vehicle-ulv/) & [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/06/28/video-next-generation-electric-mini-vehicle-ulv/) A research team from Waseda University of Tokyo has designed and manufactured the Ultra Lightweight Vehicle, a [single-seat eco car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-microcar) that is affordable, small and very light. The Ultra Lightweight Vehicle is powered by a 400W motor and has a maximum speed of 40 km/hr, a driving range of 80 km, and a charge time of about four hours. What's best of all is that, at $0.40 per charge, this eco minicar will cost a fraction of the [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-prius) [Prius](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-toyota-prius) to operate. There are customised versions of the Ultra Lightweight Vehicle suitable for small business owners, advertisers and event organizers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Affordable Eco Cars:** Opportunity for manufacturing cost-efficient eco vehicles that offer affordable transportation options. - **Ultra Lightweight Vehicles:** Disruptive opportunity to design and manufacture single-seat eco cars that are small, lightweight, and sustainable. - **Customized Eco Vehicles:** Potential for creating tailored eco car versions for specific industries like small business owners, advertisers, and event organizers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive Industry:** Opportunity for car manufacturers to invest in the production of cost-efficient eco cars that tap into the growing demand for affordable and environmentally-friendly transportation options. - **Electric Vehicle Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to develop ultra lightweight electric vehicles that provide efficient and sustainable modes of transportation, contributing to the adoption of electric vehicles on a larger scale. - **Event Services Industry:** Potential for event organizers to utilize customized eco vehicles as a sustainable and attention-grabbing transportation solution for various events, enhancing the overall experience and brand image. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Diminutive Urban Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-electric-cars.md) - [Phosphate Battery-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-electric-car.md) - [Futuristic Solar-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightyear-0.md) - [Compact Electric City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kg-motors.md) - [Rechargeable Two-Seater Modern Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eli-zero.md) - [Single-Seater Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yksi-electric-vehicle.md) - [Energy Efficient Flat-Packed Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luvly-o.md) - [Accessible All-Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-id-every1-concept.md) - [Electric Three-Wheel Roadsters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threewheel-roadster.md)