The Zing! (Custom-built prototype hybrid tadpole trike)

[Ken Fry]

Originally Posted by drmiller100

Mr. Fry,
Sometimes we miss the obvious. The obvious is you are DOING something, while the rest of the gadflies are criticizing and telling you all the reasons nothing will ever work.

My hat is off to you, and I for one appreciate your efforts.
...

Best wishes,
Doug

Hi Doug, I really appreciate your support. Actually I've felt almost everyone here has been supportive. Frank Lee doesn't agree with the concept, but that's fine -- I'm always happy to listen to what people have to say. Sometimes it's not until someone says "Wouldn't it make more sense to do this ..." that you realize that yes, perhaps it would. Or on the other hand, working though the issue may increase your resolve to do it as planned... or the conversation may be good practice for overcoming objections. Or you find common interests: Frank and I both like the old Fiat 500's.

I noticed your 100 mpg vehicle thread. I'll check it out.

Also noticed the guy in Holland with the 125 cc streamliner. The Zing started off on two wheels too.

Thanks again for the support!
Ken

[Frank Lee]

Yeah, and who goes to Chrysler stealerships for any reason anyway?

[samwichse]

If you're looking for a nice little engine... this one is great:

Oops, I'm apparently not allowed to post links, but a Google search for "13hp honda water cooled engine" returns a pic as the first result.

Got one in a (dead) lawnmower. It's dead because Honda can't make a mower deck for crap, but that engine is pure gold. Guy selling there in the first Google result says "125lbs" but I can't hardly believe that, especially since he hasn't even removed it.

Anyhow, 13hp, will crank along all day at 80-90% throttle, water jacketed so it's quiet (relatively ;-) and without the hot heads and valve maintenance inherent in an air-cooled engine, even has a spin on oil filter and of course electric start. LOVE this engine... might be a good fit? Still trying to come up with something fun to use mine in.

Sam

[Frank Lee]

Ken I like your Zing too; I just don't think the genset idea would be the best layout for my usage patterns.

[NeilBlanchard]

Ken,

Here's an easily implemented and very efficient heating solution: motorcycle heated vests. Put them on under your winter coat, and plug it in -- it heats your torso directly.

The defroster is more of a challenge -- I'm hoping that we can use something like Ford (and others) did a while back, with a very thin coating of gold on the glass that electrically heats the glass directly. These were almost instantaneous if I recall correctly.

[Old Mechanic]

Why would the electric car manufacturers and home builders not utilise the heat created by the battery pack and electric motor to provide "free" heat in the passenger compartment, at least when it was available?

regards
Mech

[drmiller100]

battery heat in a regen system is usually a net zero - they might give off heat on discharge, but suck a bit of heat on recharge. Also, battery life is VERY dependent on temperature, and keeping the batteries "warm" adds significantly to their temp.

On the motor, a permanent magnet very efficient motor does not put off that much heat.

Add all that up, and wintertime driving for an electric car is a definite problem.

[Rokeby]

Originally Posted by drmiller100

...wintertime driving for an electric car is a definite problem.

Many of the folks over at MyNissanLeaf are seeing their first winter with
their LEAF and are posting on their experiences/explorations of the effect
of cold weather on their range. Reductions of only 25 - 33% are possible...
but to see only that little, you're got to be really careful/creative about
battery preheat (during charging) and heater/defroster use.

Very interesting read if you're contemplating an EV, especially if your
contemplated daily use is out near the max range.

My Nissan Leaf - One more winter range post- 33*, 80% to 0 bars: 32.8 miles

[deathtrain]

paint it black and put on a batman suit. LOL but seriously I would drive it. and maybe buy one if the price was right.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Ken Fry

Your Failed Belgium State gets an ironic chuckle, but I hope you're doing well. This is not the world we hoped for.

Don't worry, most of us are doing well.

It's failed state status refers to our nearly ever-lasting, world-record setting cabinet formation.
Wait until after the next elections, it'll likely get even worse !


As long as we can bail out those greedy bankrupt bankers, we're rich ...