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GreenHornet · 07-04-2013, 01:37 PM

In order to keep costs some what manageable I have to be very careful in my parts selection especially on the major components. The parts have to be easily attainable and priced reasonably. They also need to be durable and built to last but in the event a part fails it does not cost an arm and a leg to replace or rebuild. Ideally it would be nice to create a total system where you would not need to take it in to a mechanic but obviously this will depend on the individuals skill level and willingness to do his or her own maintenance. This will also most likely not be practical for the majority of people and hybrid component failure. So the hybrid components ideally for simplicity would come from one reputable manufacturer who can supply spare parts and provide product support.

I am trying to design this vehicle with just not my wants and desires in mind but also for others who may find a need for Tigon down the road. The plan at this point is to finish the prototype and test it thoroughly. After the testing is complete I will develop a design and build book so that others can replicate and modify Tigon. If there is a desire for Tigon beyond the prototype I may also provide finished turn key vehicles.

The main objective is to design and build a highly efficient diesel electric hybrid for North America. The main reason for this is we do not have this currently and will not at least in my lifetime here in North America! Are we going to get diesel electric hybrids? Yes we will but they will not be designed for range and economy on par with what we ecomodders would come to accept. This is where Tigon will fit in. Tigon is being designed as an ecomodders dream car. Tigon will have a coefficient of drag under .2, curb weight under 1,300lbs, manual transmission, .5L diesel engine, mild or full hybrid capability, parallel hybrid design platform, plug in option, normal creature comforts such as heat and AC stereo with mp3 and Ipod connection. I will also install back up cameras with audible sensors for safety as well as built in GPS for navigation.

As far as MPG ability I would estimate it at over 150mpg diesel only. this estimate comes from experience working with small diesel engines as well as with other notable small diesel engined designed vehicles that all attain 100+ mpg figures. All small 1L diesel engines have the fuel sipping ability to deliver 100+ mpg in a small light car now the mpg can sky rocket if attention to detail and careful planning is executed.

Adding the hybrid components now allows us many advantages not afforded in an ICE only vehicle. With hybrids we now have the ability to take control of our own fuel destiny. Hybrids can be powered right from the comforts of your home on local utility grid power which for me here in the Northwest is mostly clean hydro power! Or we can take it a step further and use solar power from our roof tops and create the ultimate clean and renewable fueling option. For me this is what appeals the most with hybrids as the vast majority of my driving is urban and typically less than 20miles a day. Even if my mileage was double say 40miles as long as the hybrid is designed to be plugged in you can easily extend your electric only range to accommodate the extra range. The main thing is with a hybrid I am giving myself fueling options one in which I have more control over and for me this is important and I think it is for others also.

Hybrid diesels do not need to be expensive upfront and that is one point with Tigon that I want to prove. What do I consider expensive may differ from others views most likely but I would like to think that any car that can give you fuel economy in excess of 150mpg is truly in a class of its own with few competitors and should be considered priceless really. Reality however and consumer reaction is totally objective and varies from person to person. My real world budget goal from a building cost perspective for the prototype is around 13K. This price however is without my time factored in and would be added if turn key vehicles were produced. If 13K can be realized and this at this point is a big if as there are still many pricing variables unaccounted for at the moment than a reasonably priced diesel electric hybrid with fuel economy design may be in the future for North American ecomodders that desire such a vehicle.

GH..

07-04-2013, 01:37 PM	#74 (permalink)
GreenHornet Master EcoModder Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 429 Thanks: 41 Thanked 108 Times in 68 Posts	In order to keep costs some what manageable I have to be very careful in my parts selection especially on the major components. The parts have to be easily attainable and priced reasonably. They also need to be durable and built to last but in the event a part fails it does not cost an arm and a leg to replace or rebuild. Ideally it would be nice to create a total system where you would not need to take it in to a mechanic but obviously this will depend on the individuals skill level and willingness to do his or her own maintenance. This will also most likely not be practical for the majority of people and hybrid component failure. So the hybrid components ideally for simplicity would come from one reputable manufacturer who can supply spare parts and provide product support. I am trying to design this vehicle with just not my wants and desires in mind but also for others who may find a need for Tigon down the road. The plan at this point is to finish the prototype and test it thoroughly. After the testing is complete I will develop a design and build book so that others can replicate and modify Tigon. If there is a desire for Tigon beyond the prototype I may also provide finished turn key vehicles. The main objective is to design and build a highly efficient diesel electric hybrid for North America. The main reason for this is we do not have this currently and will not at least in my lifetime here in North America! Are we going to get diesel electric hybrids? Yes we will but they will not be designed for range and economy on par with what we ecomodders would come to accept. This is where Tigon will fit in. Tigon is being designed as an ecomodders dream car. Tigon will have a coefficient of drag under .2, curb weight under 1,300lbs, manual transmission, .5L diesel engine, mild or full hybrid capability, parallel hybrid design platform, plug in option, normal creature comforts such as heat and AC stereo with mp3 and Ipod connection. I will also install back up cameras with audible sensors for safety as well as built in GPS for navigation. As far as MPG ability I would estimate it at over 150mpg diesel only. this estimate comes from experience working with small diesel engines as well as with other notable small diesel engined designed vehicles that all attain 100+ mpg figures. All small 1L diesel engines have the fuel sipping ability to deliver 100+ mpg in a small light car now the mpg can sky rocket if attention to detail and careful planning is executed. Adding the hybrid components now allows us many advantages not afforded in an ICE only vehicle. With hybrids we now have the ability to take control of our own fuel destiny. Hybrids can be powered right from the comforts of your home on local utility grid power which for me here in the Northwest is mostly clean hydro power! Or we can take it a step further and use solar power from our roof tops and create the ultimate clean and renewable fueling option. For me this is what appeals the most with hybrids as the vast majority of my driving is urban and typically less than 20miles a day. Even if my mileage was double say 40miles as long as the hybrid is designed to be plugged in you can easily extend your electric only range to accommodate the extra range. The main thing is with a hybrid I am giving myself fueling options one in which I have more control over and for me this is important and I think it is for others also. Hybrid diesels do not need to be expensive upfront and that is one point with Tigon that I want to prove. What do I consider expensive may differ from others views most likely but I would like to think that any car that can give you fuel economy in excess of 150mpg is truly in a class of its own with few competitors and should be considered priceless really. Reality however and consumer reaction is totally objective and varies from person to person. My real world budget goal from a building cost perspective for the prototype is around 13K. This price however is without my time factored in and would be added if turn key vehicles were produced. If 13K can be realized and this at this point is a big if as there are still many pricing variables unaccounted for at the moment than a reasonably priced diesel electric hybrid with fuel economy design may be in the future for North American ecomodders that desire such a vehicle. GH..