So I have stalked these forums as well as the diyelectric car forums for a while now, and have really wanted to build a car from the ground up to be exactly what I want it to be. Its my final year of school (aerospace engineering) and I thought I would take advantage of the access I have to modeling software and engineering expertise while I have it. That said, I think the people here are the best at knowing how to make a vehicle. My plan is to make an SUV that is as efficient as possible while still meeting all the requirements from my wife.
The requirements are:
Must seat at least 5, though 6 is preferred.
Cannot be a van or a station wagon, SUV is preferred.
Must have heat, air, radio, etc. (all standard amenities)
Must have rear view mirrors (My wife hates the idea of using lcds)
If electric must go at least 60 miles and have possibility of range extending.
Maximum speed of at least 70 mph (I think 65 would be ok)
I think that is all of them. The plan is to have as much as possible diagrammed and parts preselected (within reason) so that it can be done as quickly as possible when construction begins. I know that there will be problems but hopefully using solidworks in the design phase will minimize these. I am going to use the GM skateboard concept of using a spaceframe with all of the drive components with a body bolted on top. The GM Hy-Wire is my inspiration here.
For the body, I am going to use a fiberglass over foam construction. While making molds would produce a lighter body, I like the added strength provided by the foam as well as the insulation it can provide to the interior which will hopefully reduce the need to use heat/AC. This method should also reduce fabrication time and cost.
My current rough mock up is based on an Acura RDX concept car. The actual car they made from it was hideous:
http://www.autointell.com/asian_comp...05-300-212.jpg
But the original drawings were brilliant, two views I modified to be a little more aerodynamic are attached. They were modified in paint so quality isn't perfect, but its my starting point before I start modeling. I still have to remove some trim from them add mirrors and such.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, especially for the body design. I can't do anything too extreme (full kamback) because of the wife acceptance factor. I'll put some more information in my next post, but this one is getting a little long.