The Visio.M urban electric vehicle, launched last year by BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, is on the road. Well, test site roads anyway, where a prototype of the lightweight EV is being evaluated near Munich.

The car uses carbon fiber and other composite materials to provide what Visio.M's partners say is "the best of both worlds." That means materials that can make a car light enough to minimize electric-power needs but safe enough to drive around the city streets. An anti-lock braking system, specially designed seatbelts and a drivetrain system that cuts weight by about 15 percent are among the car's advancements.Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich