Toyota Hybrid Highlander EV Conversion
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I've been watching this tech develop for years. I really believe this is where EV propulsion is headed.
The new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG EV uses four motors to drive each wheel individually apparently with fantastic results.
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motora...electric-drive-offers-shocking-130935568.html
Seasoned Oak
Minister of Fire
The lithium-ion thing is a 2 edged sword. Id bet that toyota could sell way more of those $30000 Rav-4 electric(2000 model year) with the old tech batteries that got it 120 MPC Then its current offering for $50000 at 113MPC with the way too expensive LI-ion batteries. The biggest difference besides the cost is probably the weight. But is THAT worth pricing it out of most pocketbooks?
Toyota is a very conservative company that takes the long view. They are trying to ensure that reports 4-10 years down the road will still be positive for the RAV4.
Seasoned Oak
Minister of Fire
The reports for the 2000 model are very positive. Even 13 years later. Evs will only catch on when they become available to the masses.Another $50000 Ev wont do very much to move the industry. IMO I love the concept but not the price.
PC's and calculators were once a very expensive item. We gotta start somewhere. I agree with ya, Randy, that this is gonna be a tough sell to the masses, but even if they produce a few thousand and learn from that...it is moving in the proper direction.
Circus
Feeling the Heat
Electric vehicles make zero sense in the country. They're good for stop and go traffic because they don't run at stop signs. Hybrid make a bit more sense in the country only because the battery can help a smaller engine accelerate. It's the smaller engine that increases the mpg.
Seasoned Oak
Minister of Fire
Id like to se more NEVs(neighborhood electric vehicles) running around. Sort of like electric dune buggys.Or deluxe street legal golf carts. They are common in some small communities in florida as well as large campgrounds up north. Low speed urban people movers. Put more small, light and cheaper,under 10-12 K Evs out there and work your way up,instead of trying to work your way down from 50K.
They are ok in warmer climes without a lot of hills, but other than that forget it. Our neighbor bought an electric truck and found out that with any load it couldn't make it up their long uphill driveway. He eventually donated it to the school.
One to watch will be the Chevy Spark EV.
One to watch will be the Chevy Spark EV.
Seasoned Oak
Minister of Fire
What kind of truck is that. Sounds like a bad retrofit with a too small motor and incorrect gearing. ELectric motors are supposed to have all kinds of low end torque. Only commercial electric truck im aware of is the Phoenix which is quite pricey. Razer puts a 200 HP electric motor in their hummers and large pickups. By comparison my gas powered 8 cyl 6000LB Ex Cab HD truck is just 200 HP with a a lot less torque,but still can pull just about any hill loaded.
I think it was an earlier Miles. It's by design, only goes 35mph and is really only for more level country than we have. It would be fine for a small city truck for deliveries. They have beefed up the motor and battery since then, but dropped top speed. http://www.milesev.com/#zx40st.swf
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