by The_Toecutter » Mon 22 Jun 2009, 19:18:11
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('jasonraymondson', '
')
but could they have designed the body? 75 - 90% of the cost / value of a car, is its appearance.
I know I can build an electric car, but it would look like some sort of soap box derby pile of shit.
I meant converting an existing chassis to electric, not building the chassis from scratch. If it's scratch-built, and you want to actually have aspects of it be functional(eg. body designed for aerodynamics), you will need some engineering background, although not necessarily a slip of paper that says you can do it.
Opel GTs, Datsun 1200s, Geo Metros, Triumph Spitfires/GT6s, Honda CRXs, Fiat 600s, and other lightwight/reasonably aerodynamic cars make the best choices for conversion, IMO, due to relatively low cost for an example in good condition(especially if you find one with a broken engine), low weight, good aerodynamics, and a reasonable amount of battery room.
Of course, there are people who have built electric pickup trucks using ordinary lead acid batteries that get 120 miles range on the highway at 65 mph and top over 80 mph; they simply cost a little more to build(~$15k). If the parts were produced in the same volume as aftermarket parts sold for popular models of gasoline autos, EVs would cost perhaps half as much in parts to build; many of the items such as chargers and controllers are often assembled at least in part by hand making them cost 2-3 times as much as they should(PFC chargers, Zilla controllers, Belktronix controller/charger/dc-dc systems, ect.)
Unless Zenn gets to market a highway capable car, they will remain a minor player, IMO.
The Sunn EV has a much better chance of mainstream success if we have a SHTF scenario, due to its integrated solar panel(no plug needed if it got down to it, although you may not get much range per day spent in the sun) and lower cost.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I') have shuffled the bones, swilled the tea leaves, contemplated my navel and pronounce unequivocally that at some future point in time, the ability to travel at 25mph other than on horseback, will be acclaimed as a miracle. It will indeed be considered as unnatural.
I exceed that speed on a bicycle regularly. Of course, this is on paved roads, which may not be around in a few decades depending on how things go.