11-20-2017, 02:58 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
Not Doug
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Show Low, AZ
Posts: 12,240
Thanks: 7,254
Thanked 2,233 Times in 1,723 Posts
|
Sondors 3-seater electric trike for $10,000
Thanks to Rmay for bringing this to our attention. This is more than the Elio is claiming for a gasser, but less than the Arcimoto is charging for electric, and is wider than either. I think it looks like a double-wide Elio, with a similar rear. Their site [currently] only shows a grand total of eleven pictures and a link to this video. They really only say they have raised a million dollars through crowdfunding.
More information: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/d...3701_253g2.htm
https://www.startengine.com/sondorsc...ondors_website
I need to get back to work!
|
|
|
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Xist For This Useful Post:
|
|
Today
|
|
|
Other popular topics in this forum...
|
|
|
11-20-2017, 03:15 PM
|
#2 (permalink)
|
Not Doug
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Show Low, AZ
Posts: 12,240
Thanks: 7,254
Thanked 2,233 Times in 1,723 Posts
|
Quote:
From the offering circular:
The three-wheeled vehicle is designed to have the same standard comfort and functional features customers have come to expect in modern motor vehicles: air conditioning, heat, AM/FM stereo, power windows, power door lock, airbags, auxiliary port(s), anti-lock brakes, and traction control. We intend to offer additional optional luxury features such as leather seats, rear wheel drive, upgraded battery options for further range, and various exterior body aesthetic add-ons. As currently contemplated, further specifications include:
● Rear wheel drive with wheel hub motor
● Lithium Ion battery 0 to 60 Mph in 5-8 seconds
● Charge with standard 110V or 240V (2X charge)
● Three battery range options: 50, 100, and 200 miles
● Five color options: White, Black, Blue, Silver or Red
● Driver and passenger airbags
● Touch screen tablet monitor
● Push button start
Engineering and Development
Our development process comprises seven stages:
● Concept Design
● Engineering Analysis
● Detailed Design and Initial Prototype
● Production Prototype
● Design Validation and Testing
● Production Tooling
● Manufacturing
|
They state they are on the third phase.
Quote:
we are currently exploring bids and investigating options to contract with high quality manufacturers already equipped to produce a majority of the vehicle parts, and assemble our vehicles. In addition, while we are designing and will have specially manufactured several key components including our proprietary wheel hub motor, in order to reduce development costs, we intend to use certain parts that already exist, rather than designing all new parts.
|
Quote:
We intend to sell Model SONDORS primarily online. Our distribution model is designed to enable customers to choose specific options for their vehicles at the point-of-sale. Customers can then select from an extensive list of add-ons to customize their vehicles, and ultimately have the vehicle delivered directly to their home.
|
Quote:
For individuals who prefer to see the car in person before making a purchase, our longer term vision includes having information centers staffed with personnel who can answer questions, provide test drives, and assist in the purchasing process.
|
Quote:
We intend to provide customer service and technical support for our electric vehicles. Because of the simplicity of the vehicle’s design, we believe some customers may elect to do their own maintenance and repair. In these cases, we intend to deliver parts directly to the customer and provide detailed maintenance and repair instructions. We intend to design the vehicle so the average consumer can replace many components within minutes. In certain areas, our plan is to enlist a service team of mobile technicians capable of performing most inspections and repairs on demand.
|
Quote:
We currently have no employees.
We use a team of approximately 15 engineers and designers who are independent contractors, and who under the direction of our CEO, are creating the designs for Model SONDORS. We also currently have a team of approximately 4 independent contractors who are performing marketing, public relations and advertising services.
|
Quote:
We face strong competition from [...] new entrants into the market such as Elio Motors.
|
[de-emphasis added]
"We do not currently intend to offer any form of direct financing on our vehicles."
"We are seeking $19,999,998 in funding"
They anticipate producing in April 2019.
|
|
|
11-20-2017, 03:22 PM
|
#3 (permalink)
|
Not Doug
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Show Low, AZ
Posts: 12,240
Thanks: 7,254
Thanked 2,233 Times in 1,723 Posts
|
While the offering circular states 50, 100, and 200-mile range, the crowdfunding page says "Lithium Ion battery with 75, 150, and 200 mile range."
"Most cars on the road today are over-engineered and have features that no one needs, wants, or uses."
"Many concept cars are created without ever considering how the car is actually going to be made."
"Our three wheel vehicle design also allows us to seek designation as an autocycle."
"Having bypassed investment in a cumbersome manufacturing infrastructure, once engineering and tooling is complete, we believe we will be positioned to begin assembling vehicles as early as April 2019."
"Our choice for the exterior has been inspired by Storm’s lifelong passion for Gran Turismo, but with a modern edge."
"The interior is designed to feel large and open, seating three adult-sized passengers. It’s simple and clean, yet intelligent and innovative. We’ve cut out the unnecessary bulkiness of today’s standard car interior."
Bulkiness?
"[W]e are not currently taking any deposits."
"We have no plans to take any pre-sales until our vehicle is ready for production."
Do any of you guys know Sondors electric bikes?
|
|
|
11-21-2017, 06:44 PM
|
#4 (permalink)
|
Master EcoModder
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 1,790
Thanks: 320
Thanked 360 Times in 299 Posts
|
The price is in line with project trike cost estimates from Richard Q Riley or diesel car kit from John McCornack. The heating and A/C for an electric vehicle draw power. Most everything else is off the shelf or made with minimal capital investment. Don't expect a high volume of vehicles unless demand grows more rapidly than other trike motorcycles.
|
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Grant-53 For This Useful Post:
|
|
11-21-2017, 07:06 PM
|
#5 (permalink)
|
Not Doug
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Show Low, AZ
Posts: 12,240
Thanks: 7,254
Thanked 2,233 Times in 1,723 Posts
|
Yay! A response!
I think the Sondors will do slightly better. Having a third seat might have convinced some people to go for the original Insight. Having side-by-side seating should appeal to more people.
I am not sure how many people specifically want their passengers out of sight. I have been known to happily hold hands while I drive. That would be far more difficult in an Arcimoto.
|
|
|
11-22-2017, 01:08 AM
|
#6 (permalink)
|
Master EcoModder
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 1,747
Thanks: 75
Thanked 577 Times in 426 Posts
|
I like it. But I wonder how aerodynamic it is, compared to a tandem 2-seater. That taper on the sides rear look too steep for maximum efficiency, though it should still be better than a 4-wheel design.
|
|
|
11-22-2017, 02:01 AM
|
#7 (permalink)
|
Master EcoModder
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 2,668
Thanks: 305
Thanked 1,187 Times in 813 Posts
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stubby79
I like it. But I wonder how aerodynamic it is, compared to a tandem 2-seater. That taper on the sides rear look too steep for maximum efficiency, though it should still be better than a 4-wheel design.
|
I thought the open wheel design of the elio was worse but I have no numbers one way or the other.
|
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Hersbird For This Useful Post:
|
|
11-22-2017, 08:02 AM
|
#8 (permalink)
|
Master EcoModder
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 5,096
Thanks: 2,907
Thanked 2,570 Times in 1,594 Posts
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stubby79
I like it. But I wonder how aerodynamic it is, compared to a tandem 2-seater. That taper on the sides rear look too steep for maximum efficiency, though it should still be better than a 4-wheel design.
|
Probably not very aerodynamic. I wouldn't want to widen the rear though, because it would greatly increase rollover risk.
This could be an excellent city car though, and one that is appropriate for traveling a couple of exits on the highway.
|
|
|
11-22-2017, 03:59 PM
|
#9 (permalink)
|
Thalmaturge
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: The edge of nowhere
Posts: 1,167
Thanks: 769
Thanked 645 Times in 431 Posts
|
Sondors has managed to deliver on its promises before.
But if the past is any indication, the specs will change after people invested to:
● Rear wheel drive with wheel hub motor
● Lithium Ion battery 0 to 60 Mph in 12-15 seconds
● Charge with standard 110V
● Three battery range options: 25, 50, and 100 miles
● One color option: Yellow
● Driver and passenger airbags?
|
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to samwichse For This Useful Post:
|
|
11-22-2017, 04:27 PM
|
#10 (permalink)
|
Master EcoModder
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 1,790
Thanks: 320
Thanked 360 Times in 299 Posts
|
A taper angle of 22 degrees in a boat tail is recommended. From "Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles" 5th Ed. pg 312
|
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Grant-53 For This Useful Post:
|
|
|