Arcimoto: 100mi under $20k

dequinox

10 kW
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Oct 31, 2009
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Location
Eugene, OR
This is a new prototype that is being developed in my hometown by Arcimoto, which is a relatively new startup company. They claim that you can go 100mi on a charge and that they will be selling these for under $20k.

http://arcimoto.com/

3970370772_80b8b70b07.jpg
 
Not totally diggin the body. Seems like enclosing the front wheels would make it a lot more efficient at highway speeds. DC motor probably keeps costs down though.
 
Really looking forward to three wheeled electrics becoming widely available. 100 miles per charge changes things for sure. Had read about the ZAP http://www.zapworld.com/ and the NmG from Myers http://www.myersmotors.com/ and now the Arcimoto. Which, looks pretty good as well and thank you for posting. Unclear why someone would buy a "Smartcar" for $20K to only get 32mpg when liked-sized electrics are so close to market.

Was reading that some states (OH for instance) are not registering these vehicles because they are technically classified as motorcycles (to get around safety laws) but do not have a "saddle".
 
torker said:
Not totally diggin the body. Seems like enclosing the front wheels would make it a lot more efficient at highway speeds. .

Hmm, yes it looks like an afterthought or maybe they found it necessary for stability to widen the front track.
The bodywork suggests the wheels were intended to be tucked inside originally ?

+ What on earth have they done to make it weigh 1700lbs ?? :shock:
 
hillhater said:
bodywork suggests the wheels were intended to be tucked inside originally ?

Yeah, judgong by the shape of the back end, it prolly had 2 wheels, until budget cuts kicked in

KiM.
 
bzhwindtalker said:
144v agm bank is the reason for 1700lbs...

Well 8.9kWhr at 144v is about 500lbs max ....so what is the other 1200lbs doing ?
..and what is the 2300lbs "gross weight" referring to ?....an extra 600lbs for 2 passengers seems excesive ?
A EV trike this size should not be over 1000lbs. !! ..
...The Trev seems about on the mark.
 
http://www.green.autoblog.com/2011/12/11/arcimoto-updates-ev-trike-testing-lithium-lifepo4-batteries/

The Arcimoto engineering team is on Generation 6, which is smaller and has a shorter wheelbase than earlier versions. The frame is also a bit less tall and has slimmer seats, which reduces the curb weight and also creates a lower center of gravity. On the powertrain side, a new LiFePO4 battery pack, an "eco wire" (read: lighter) from Alpha Wire and an updated motor controller from Ives Meadors at Synkromotive are all being tested. That LiFePO4 pack has got to be more efficient than the ten 12V lead acid batteries that previous Arcimoto prototypes used.

The frame structural changes were made because of data from the "ride experience and drive characteristics" from the firth generation and it looks like the team is getting ready to get multiple copies on the road. The Oregon-based company just sent out an email about the status and said the Gen 6 vehicle, "will be the foundation of the pilot fleet and we have just recently locked the frame and begun build of the vehicle."
 
Architectonic said:
Hillhater said:
+ What on earth have they done to make it weigh 1700lbs ?? :shock:

Sealed-lead-acid. :(

http://www.arcimoto.com/products/faq

Yes , as noted 2 posts earlier, that only accounts for 500lbs, so battry-less it still weighs 1200lbs !
Looking at the photo's, it is apparent that it is made from a massive steel tube frame that looks like it would outlive a Baja buggy ! ... It needs a little construction/design refinement to shed another 500lbs of metal !
 
Hehe... those Messerschmitt 2 seaters have come up on ES before...

messerschmitt-kr200-03.jpg


:)
 
I think these guys were going to release it in 2017 if memory serves. They still aren't in a production swing from what I understand. This is one of those start-ups that's been "we're going into production next year" for like 6 years.

If they're sending out press releases now they might finally be serious about it.
 
The interview I just saw claimed late 2016 delivery with a $12k MSRP on their smaller battery version, which is down to 1,000lbs from 1,600 lbs, allegedly by replacing the steering wheel with handlebars. dual motor FWD, Minimalist, Light, quick, agile, cheap, tadpole so it really resonates with my design aesthetic; if they produce them, I will buy one.
 
Better to buy a used Leaf for the same money.
 
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