What kind of EV would it take?

[Daox]

I'd need 100+ mile range, 65mph, two seats. I'd pay... eh, maybe 10k. Unfortunately, it can't be a 3 wheeler because of winter.

[cfg83]

RH77 -

Originally Posted by RH77

Good question, many answers...

My take:

1) If it were just for pure commuting to work and back:

• 2-seater with the cargo capacity of 2 large suitcases
• 60 mph consistent speed ability
• 150-200 mile range with 7-day cold soak in 15-degree F weather between charges
• $5000 (If it's going to replace a vehicle with no car payments, then yak know).

...

I'd be similar on the assumption that it would only be for commuting :

• 2-seater with the cargo capacity of 1 large suitcase and the ability to quick-remove the passenger seat (more cargo!) for solo commuting.
• 65 mph consistent speed ability
• 100 mile range with the ability to plug into standard-issue 120 volt AC plug for overnight charging.
• $10-$15K. I might be willing to go up to $20K if there were incentives to mitigate this cost.
• 3 Wheels is OK (2 front, 1 back).
• "Compact Car" level of insurance payment.

Sooooooooooo, a cheap EV Aptera would be Ok by me.

CarloSW2

[Peakster]

- Something that is low to the ground, handles, is aerodynamic (I'm talking Cd: 0.15 or less. Normal-looking sedans like the Lexus LS 460 are already at 0.26!), comfortable, and looks sporty.
- Preferably a sexy metallic red or a matte-black colour to defy the 'silly electric car' stereotype.
- A battery pack that can charge 60% in 1 hour and a full 100% charge in no more than 6 (if laptops and camcorders can do it in a few minutes, an electric car shouldn't be more than a few hours, max).
- dual motors independently connected to each drive wheel, eliminating heavy differentials and lowering centre of gravity.
- 30-60 minutes and/or 100 kilometres between charges
- Be able to reach a cruising speed of 110-km/h for an extended period of time
- Has a small, durable gasoline engine used for a 'reserve' power source in case of an transportation emergency (an electric motor malfunction or needing to go on a road trip). However, this engine would be so small that a driver would prefer to use the electric power before resorting to gas. The electric and gasoline power plants should also be completely independent from one another.
- Has regenerative breaking and a few supplemental solar panels
- other than the above features, very bare-bones equipped. No A/C, no power-(insert item here), etc.
- a price tag of less than $25,000(US)

I guess if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by Peakster

-I guess if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself

Yup- in my living room:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16584749@N00/2047823631/

countersTrike

[MetroMPG]

Hi Christopher - have you done any efficiency calcs on your trike? Wh/mile on electric power?

PS - officially "welcome" to the site.

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Hi Christopher - have you done any efficiency calcs on your trike? Wh/mile on electric power?

PS - officially "welcome" to the site.

Thanks for the welcome!

Many limitations keep top speed down on a human power vehicle! I have not kept any records on acceleration, distance, top speed, sideways pull, braking, and so on. The power-assist hub has much lower gears than I like, so I am changing the front gears- very high gearing!. The trike has no signs of weak batteries so has great distance now, and a larger gear will be sort of like a overdrive- much much more distance.

Fuel economy is a passion of mine! I went from cars with tall fins, to "krazy kustom kars" to Muscle cars, but when gas cost $2. a gallon, I did a complete turn-around. These days I am thrilled to pass gas stations and praise E.V.s, alternative vehicles, aerodynamics and human power!

countersTrike

[oldschool]

Just watched another you tube video, Tom Hanks has a converted Scion xb with a 130 mile range

[bennelson]

It seems like everyone wants an EV that has unlimited range, power, speed, AND is affordable.

How many people NEED to be able to drive 120 miles a day? That is one insane commute!

I think an EV makes a perfect second vehicle. It is amazing how much gas it saves on all those short little trips. They are perfect for commuting, as long as you don't have too long of a drive, and they are fun to drive too!

For my wife and I, 3 vehicles works for us, because then we can both still get to work while I am fixing one. If you have an EV and a gasser, you can use the EV for all the local trips, and the gasser for long hauls.

I really think the reason there are so many SUVs out there is that people think it is the perfect vehicle that can do anything (except get good mileage).

If people just used the right vehicle for the job, we would all be better off.

That is another neat thing about EVs, they can be designed for high speed, long range, racing - whatever you want to do with it.

There is no such thing as one perfect vehicle. It depends on how it will be used.

[Daox]

Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who NEED 100+ miles on one charge. I have roughly a 37 mile commute one way, totals up to 73ish miles each day (West Bend to Miller Park area). Add on any other places to visit to and from work, and some extra capacity for when the batteries get older and that puts it at around 100 miles. However, I could probably get away with an incredibly small and simple car, maybe even a one seater. I don't need any luxuries besides heat for winter.

[Christopher Jordan]

Changes in availability and availability of what is out there is constantly different. If a small EV goes fine per day for me, yet cannot handle 100 miles + @ 50 mph + for someone else; we have a problem!

I read that India is breaking the $2500. price with the Tata, and I also saw another article on EV World mentioining the Kanso. Those would sure require an attitude change on these shores!

countersTrike