If you thought the BMW i3 was advanced you have not seen anything yet. BMW's first electric car has to be plugged into a socket to gain power; the BMW S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device) needs nothing so rudimentary. It instead draws its power from the world around it. Exploring the deep sea? Harness the power of waves. Taking a dip into molten lava? That's free thermo power right there, and with the right sail deployed even gravity can be used to power the vehicle while falling - sorry not falling, gliding gracefully!
Mechanicals
The SEED starts off life looking like a streamlined maple leaf that hovers within its own BMW-branded dock; however, depending on the terrain it finds itself in the shape can be changed. This is due to an exoskeleton constructed of nano-fibres and 'floral inspired retractable armatures' that can equally shape-shift. Should you find yourself flying through the air the SEED will sprout under-body propellers that are solar powered before withdrawing into the body to allow the vehicle to harness the winds and glide.
In tighter areas the armatures can act as arms and a tail that allows the SEED to find its way around in the dark and 'swing' if needs be. Kinetic energy can be stored for times like this when energy sources are not close at hand. When close to water the SEED sprouts legs that allow it to walk on the surface much like a water walking ant and it can grow a tail like a shark for underwater activities.
Anything else?
BMW hasn't gone completely mad. The S.E.E.D. was created as part of the 2013 edition of the annual LA Design Challenge, which runs alongside the LA Auto Show. Automotive design studios from around the world are invited to participate and this year, studios from Germany, Japan and the US competed to design "Biomimicry & Mobility 2025: Nature's Answer to Human Challenges."