A new mass market EV - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

elhigh · 06-03-2016, 04:59 PM

Hey folks,
I just spotted this over at Treehugger.com:The SOLO, a single passenger electric three-wheeler, is slated for July launch : TreeHugger
And also their own website:Electra Meccanica – Solo – An All-Electric Vehicle

The interesting bit about it is that unlike the Elio, this vehicle's expected to drop next month. That's a lot more immediate than the Elio's ever-retreating debut.

bhazard · 06-03-2016, 06:43 PM

So the single rear wheel is the drive wheel. Why does this seem like a bad idea to me?

Natalya · 06-03-2016, 10:48 PM

I bet they don't start selling them next month.

Xist · 06-04-2016, 08:49 AM

How can they start production next month when all they have is a chassis? No prototypes? Hardly anything on their website?

elhigh · 06-04-2016, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhazard

So the single rear wheel is the drive wheel. Why does this seem like a bad idea to me?

That's a good question - why?

There have been lots of tadpoles that are easily as stable as any four wheeler, both front and rear drive. It's mostly a matter of putting the CG as low as possible between the front wheels. Since there's a heavy battery pack that needs to go in this car and its shape is kind of up to the manufacturer, and the motor may not even need a transmission, the motor out back driving through a belt or chain and the pack at the front and down low looks like a layout that suggests itself. Driving the rear wheel, where the tapering shape makes the available volumes too small for cargo or seating but perfectly adequate for a small motor, just leaves more volume available at the front for batteries and/or feet.

elhigh · 06-04-2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xist

How can they start production next month when all they have is a chassis? No prototypes? Hardly anything on their website?

I got nothing. Just saw it pop up on Treehugger.

Hersbird · 06-04-2016, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xist

How can they start production next month when all they have is a chassis? No prototypes? Hardly anything on their website?

Yeah, but they have picked out the colors.

elhigh · 06-04-2016, 01:54 PM

I have learned a bit more. It's been in development for a while; it appears to me they have acquired the rights to the old Corbin Sparrow/Myers Motors NMG

cRiPpLe_rOoStEr · 06-05-2016, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhazard

So the single rear wheel is the drive wheel. Why does this seem like a bad idea to me?

What could be wrong with that?

redpoint5 · 06-05-2016, 07:04 AM

Keeping the rear wheel drive Jeep facing forward was a challenge on wet pavement. I suspect it's even more of a challenge with a single rear wheel and heaps of torque. There had better be a traction control program in place to help the driver keep the right end pointed forward.

The price had better be low, otherwise, what's the point? A 2011 Leaf will be dirt cheap when the gen II launches.

Seems silly it's a 1-seater. My motorcycle is very affordable, and it can carry 2. I'd probably choose a Segway over this.

06-05-2016, 07:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
redpoint5 Human Environmentalist Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,756 Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX 90 day: 24.19 mpg (US) Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i 90 day: 47.32 mpg (US) Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base 90 day: 21.82 mpg (US) Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2 90 day: 17.14 mpg (US) Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 90 day: 57.45 mpg (US) Thanks: 4,317 Thanked 4,472 Times in 3,437 Posts	Keeping the rear wheel drive Jeep facing forward was a challenge on wet pavement. I suspect it's even more of a challenge with a single rear wheel and heaps of torque. There had better be a traction control program in place to help the driver keep the right end pointed forward. The price had better be low, otherwise, what's the point? A 2011 Leaf will be dirt cheap when the gen II launches. Seems silly it's a 1-seater. My motorcycle is very affordable, and it can carry 2. I'd probably choose a Segway over this. __________________ Gas and Electric Vehicle Cost of Ownership Calculator Give me absolute safety, or give me death! Last edited by redpoint5; 06-06-2016 at 12:17 AM..