The Kairos EV is a 3-wheel electric vehicle designed in France with two unique safety systems to enhance cornering and reduce impact force in collisions. Developed by French transportation designer Mathieu L’Hopitault through the SIREMS Association, a non-profit electric vehicle organization in France, the Kairos can carry two passengers.
Unlike most 3-wheeled electric vehicles, the Kairos places its two wheels in the back rather than in the front to optimize balance when cornering. This layout, combined with a reclined riding position and forward-facing footpegs, aims to distribute the rider’s weight on the rear wheel for better grip. Additionally, the rear wheel tilts during cornering to allow the vehicle to navigate curves smoothly.
The Kairos features Mobile Lateral Elements (MLE) on either side of the front wheel to prevent the vehicle from overturning during cornering. These elements tilt similar to the rear wheel and absorb impact forces in frontal and side impacts. The vehicle also includes a Programmed Restraint Device (PRD) in the cockpit to protect the driver in case of a collision by absorbing inertial energy and preventing the driver from falling onto the road.
The SIREMS Association plans to create a test version of the Kairos by the end of the first quarter of next year. The vehicle’s safety features aim to provide tangible benefits to customers such as increased storage space, improved aerodynamics, and a new driving experience. With innovative design and safety technology, the Kairos electric vehicle represents a unique approach to enhancing safety and performance in the electric vehicle industry.