The floating electric car built to survive a tsunami

It's said that one in six Japanese people live in areas likely to be affected by tsunamis. As we saw in the 2011 devastation, the gushing currents arrive quickly and with little warning, tragically catching many off-guard.

Hideo Tsurumaki witnessed the tragedy first-hand, and sought to build a vehicle that could withstand sudden downpours, flash flooding and deadly tsunamis. His creation is the Fomm Concept One, debuting at the Bangkok motor show. Not only does it claim to be the smallest four-seat electric car in the world, but it also floats – and moves – on water.

Controlled by what looks like the handlebars from a jet ski, the concept weighs just 1,014 lbs. and is powered by two in-wheel electric motors on the front axle, each offering 207 lb.-ft. of torque and a total range of 62 miles. Sized smaller than a Smart car, if caught in a flash flood the vehicle can move on the surface due to a water-jet generator – although Fomm states that movement is limited.

The car is not an amphibious vehicle, and is only to be used in water during emergencies. If submerged, maintenance is required, but with the Fomm Concept One estimated to cost just $9,000, for those in areas prone to tsunamis, the ability to float during a catastrophe could be worth any repair work.

The vehicle will go on sale in Thailand in September 2015, with plans to expand to Southeast Asia and Japan shortly thereafter. Additional funds are being sought for the project, so by no means is the concept certain to meet reality.

For Tsurumaki, developing the car has been a personal goal; his elderly parents being two of 22 million Japanese residents living in hazardous low-lying areas. With his dream of improving safety now in concept form, turning it into a reality will be the toughest step yet. But with the dangers of tidal waves, tsunamis and flash floods rising around the world, it's one of a multitude of safety steps millions are counting on.