Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - The *Ultimate* Aerodynamic Car? Dave Cloud's "Dolphin"

The Toecutter · 05-10-2010, 06:27 PM

Wow... 120 Wh/mile at 60 mph... for a 3,200 lb car... THAT is very impressive, especially considering that when you go over GVWR, rolling resistance on many conversions goes up dramatically due to the impacts on the suspension. I know similar figures are possible with converted Triumph Spitfires and GT6s(Reverend Gadget's GT6 needs 100 Wh/mile at 60 mph, has some aeromods like bellypan but nothing to impact looks, and a 14.9 sq ft area), but these conversions are more than 1,000 lbs lighter than this Geo, to make up for them not being nearly as aerodynamic as this particular Geo. They don't come close in range, since they typically only carry 450-700 lbs of batteries.

I bet this Geo would only need ~100 Wh/mile at 60 mph if its weight were cut to about 2,000 lbs... With a modest 20 kWh Thundersky pack, this could be done, although it would cost about $8,000. The car's 0-60 time would improve dramatically, range would stay about the same, top speed might see an extra 5 mph, and cornering would improve dramatically...

I love Dave's car. I hope he makes a kit.

05-10-2010, 06:27 PM	#62 (permalink)
The Toecutter Master EcoModder Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ghettoville, USA Posts: 251 Rebellion - '16 KMX Framekit Custom electric velomobile Thanks: 149 Thanked 187 Times in 112 Posts	Wow... 120 Wh/mile at 60 mph... for a 3,200 lb car... THAT is very impressive, especially considering that when you go over GVWR, rolling resistance on many conversions goes up dramatically due to the impacts on the suspension. I know similar figures are possible with converted Triumph Spitfires and GT6s(Reverend Gadget's GT6 needs 100 Wh/mile at 60 mph, has some aeromods like bellypan but nothing to impact looks, and a 14.9 sq ft area), but these conversions are more than 1,000 lbs lighter than this Geo, to make up for them not being nearly as aerodynamic as this particular Geo. They don't come close in range, since they typically only carry 450-700 lbs of batteries. I bet this Geo would only need ~100 Wh/mile at 60 mph if its weight were cut to about 2,000 lbs... With a modest 20 kWh Thundersky pack, this could be done, although it would cost about $8,000. The car's 0-60 time would improve dramatically, range would stay about the same, top speed might see an extra 5 mph, and cornering would improve dramatically... I love Dave's car. I hope he makes a kit.