Cars
SweetPotato
Fri Aug 16 2013 17:32:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Novague Studio's 'Eco Laurin and Klement' is a unique concept car which integrates modern technology in a retro pre-war Czech car. The idea behind the design of the 'Eco Laurin and Klement' is to create the ultimate ecological automobile. The car is electric-powered and the motors are located in the wheels of the car. Batteries are placed on the front part of the car.
The lightweight 'Eco Laurin and Klement' features an F1 technology-inspired carbon frame, a chromium-molybdenum steel frame, a stabilization system to eliminate the weight of mechanical connections, and a double wishbone axle to dispose the push rod suspension.
SweetPotato
Sun Jan 20 2013 18:27:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
One of the coolest EV conversions I've ever seen- a 1967 Toyota 2000GT. Weighing just 1,460 kilograms (3,218 pounds), this modified 2000GT is all-electric under the skin – and on the skin in some areas. A high-performance solar panel embedded into the hood and a transmission solar panel sits in place of the rear glass. These feed energy into to a 345-volt, 40-kWh lithium-ion battery which, in turn, powers a 120-kW electric motor. Together in the stylish 2000GT, this powertrain is good for a top speed of over 200 kilometers an hour (124 miles per hour).
SweetPotato
Sat Jan 19 2013 00:21:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
One of the coolest EV conversions I've ever seen- a 1967 Toyota 2000GT. Weighing just 1,460 kilograms (3,218 pounds), this modified 2000GT is all-electric under the skin – and on the skin in some areas. A high-performance solar panel embedded into the hood and a transmission solar panel sits in place of the rear glass. These feed energy into to a 345-volt, 40-kWh lithium-ion battery which, in turn, powers a 120-kW electric motor. Together in the stylish 2000GT, this powertrain is good for a top speed of over 200 kilometers an hour (124 miles per hour).
SweetPotato
Sat Jan 19 2013 00:22:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Why did GM crush the EV1??
"Range problem??"
FALSE
The NiMH EV1 had an EPA certified range of 140 miles on a charge; none of the EV1 lessees complained about the range. So if the customer wants the car, despite what someone else says, why not sell it to them?
"Liability??"
FALSE
When GM crushed the EV1, it drove away its own customers, who went to Toyota. Toyota was happy to take our money and sell us the Toyota RAV4-EV, last sold in Nov., 2002. If there was no "liability" issue for Toyota, GM did not have that excuse either.
"Not enough electric??"
FALSE
Far from a shortage of electric, being able to buy a plug-in car would actually help the utility grid. The EV1 charges slowly, at night, when there is too much electric; and the money you save NOT buying gasoline will more than pay for your rooftop solar PV system. This isn't fantasy, it's FACT; hundreds of Toyota RAV4-EV drivers put solar on their roof and now drive for free, free of pollution and free of cost since the money they saved paid it off years ago. But you can't do this unless you can buy a plug-in car, none are offered for sale by the Auto Alliance.
"Battery too expensive??"
FALSE
The EV1 came in two "flavors": one using advanced NiMH batteries, and the other using cheaper lead-acid batteries. With PSB EV-EC1260 lead batteries, this EV1 had a range over 100 miles on a charge. The cost of this off-the-shelf battery pack is no more than $4,800. The rest of the EV1 is just electronics and bent metal. As for Nickel, it's entirely recyclable; after the Nickel battery wears out, perhaps 200,000 miles, the only expense is melting it down and "reforming" it into a new battery, using all the old metals and components.
"Cost too much to build??"
FALSE
Lutz stated that the EV1 would cost too much to build. But in 1994, GM bought control of the NiMH batteries under guise of going into production, and, in 1996 and in 2000, famously claimed that it would have leased as many as people wanted, it was a "production vehicle".