DIY Aptera knockoff?

michaelplogue said:
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Interesting. this is the first trike build I've seen where they've used McPherson struts instead of either double wishbone or VW axles for their front suspension. In a way, this is a good move, as they generally take up less real-estate than the other two styles, allowing more room for a side-by-side configuration.
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Sorry, i dont see how those struts save any space or weight over either a "A" arm set up or the basic VW torsion tube system.
Those top spring supports require a lot of structure to support the vehicle weight and stop them from bending inwards.
And as for aero drag...well thats obviously a negative too.
 
The body molds for the Doran EV (red car at bottom) are on Ebay right now. Someone with a cool 95k laying around gathering dust could buy them today. :p

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Electric-Vehicle-3-wheeled-car-manufacturing-business-/300641729883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45ffa4bd5b#ht_1286wt_1291
doran.jpg
 
jmygann said:
Organic Transit developing solar powered trikes

The vehicles cost up to $3,700 and have a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/organic-transit-developing-solar-trikes-122111/
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Purpose: Personal Commuting & recreation
1 Person + (passenger jump seat)
Can carry 5-8 bags of groceries and up to 200lbs payload
Range: 30 Miles with each 8lb 48V Battery Pack
Speed: 25MPH
Full Lighting: Headlights, Brake lights, Blinkers, Warning Flashers
Poly-Carbonate/ Composite Body
Length- 7’
Width – 42”
Height – 62”
Weight – 93 Lbs.
Price: $3,700 US Plus Shipping/Handling and applicable Taxes
 
how about this? http://www.nappepin.com/LithiumEV.htm
 
VW front axle and a nice job by a high school student!
[youtube]a9d3wAjdknA[/youtube]
 
+1 subscribed
 
hillzofvalp said:
Does that kid have a ferrari in his garage?
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And a 80's Yamaha RD350.
 
Nice ........ but a Quad ... not legal in my area as a bicycle(tricycle)

i have talked to Ashley at Utah Trikes

I could just lengthen my rover to a tandem but the social still is attractive to me.

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34445

TandemAction.jpg


[youtube]0bykT_PKqig[/youtube]

http://www.utahtrikes.com/TRIKE-2011TTROVTAN.html
 
I was not happy to read these "rules" from the Motor Tricycles FAQ on the Ontario Ministry Of Transportation website:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/motortricycles_faq.shtml
1. What is a motor tricycle?
Three-wheeled motorcycles are commonly referred to as “motor tricycles”. A three-wheeled motorcycle may have either two rear wheels or two front wheels, or may be a two-wheeled motorcycle with a sidecar.
The federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA) defines a motor tricycle as a motorcycle that:
is designed to travel on three wheels in contact with the ground,
has seating on which all occupants must sit astride,
has no more than four designated seating positions,
has a GVWR of 1,000 kg or less; and
does not have a structure partially or fully enclosing the driver and passenger, other than that part of the vehicle forward of the driver's torso and the seat backrest.
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12. Can I build my own motor tricycle that has two wheels in the front and one in back?
No. Motor tricycles that have two-front wheels and one-back wheel cannot be registered as a homebuilt for on-road use in Ontario.
A motor tricycle configured with two-front wheels cannot be operated on the highway unless it bears a manufacturer’s compliance label indicating conformity with federal motor tricycle regulations, and it must continue to meet the regulatory standards that applied to it at the time it was manufactured or imported.
We are unaware of any federally compliant kits that convert vehicles to two-front wheel motor tricycle configurations.
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It appears the "rules" are written to include the BRP Can-Am Spyder and exclude anything else, unless you want to build a delta trike (still can't be enclosed):
13. Can I build, or convert a vehicle to, a motor tricycle that has one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back?
Motor tricycles that have two-rear wheels and one front wheel have been homemade/converted and registered in Ontario in the past.
Motor tricycles with this wheel configuration have been, and may continue to be, registered in Ontario. However, additional equipment/restrictions may apply in order to register them. For example, such motor tricycles:
cannot have a split-service brake system unless originally manufactured, and maintained to federal standards, as such;
cannot have more than two seating positions unless the motor tricycle was originally manufactured with more than two seating positions and bear a manufacturer’s label indicating compliance with federal regulations;
must have at least two mirrors that meet federal regulations;
must have two forward facing white or amber parking lamps or reflectors and two rear facing red reflectors;
must have a properly working parking brake; and
cannot have any of the original brake system’s controls removed, modified, or replaced.
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sk8norcal said:
some guy in Japan,
http://www.youtube.com/user/nmemonicporsche

[youtube]0MZldEMqZUE[/youtube]
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just get the 3 wheel model without engine/trans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--lnL8qvLpk&feature=related
 
jmygann said:
Need a frame builder .... anyone ??
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I've been thinking of using the frame and rear suspension of a small motorcycle and a sub-frame from an old econobox. So far I have an old Honda 450 and the sub-frame from an econobox. Unfortunately, I didn't collect most of the vital bits from the car.
 
http://www.evalbum.com/2311

imgm.php


Chipman writes.....

"Just installed CALB 70 Ahr lithium ion batteries. Wow, huge improvement. Less than half the weight and over four times the energy. Range is now over 50 miles, top speed, over 60, and maybe 3000 charge cycles. It's like a new era. Cost me $3200 for 24 cells, charger and battery management system. Bought it from Lithium Storage Inc., Mike Collier out of Salt Lake City is great to deal with."

http://lithiumstorage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=10&zenid=7b379bb45801e1eab7ee31b5c51da7cb
 
:?: :?: with 24 of those 70Ahr cells, he has 5.5kWhr, but they are rated for a 18 A max continuous draw ! :shock: ( assuming a 24s , 80v, config)
That would mean about 1500W continuous,... so i cant see his 60mph maximum being very sustainable. !
 
Hillhater said:
:?: :?: with 24 of those 70Ahr cells, he has 5.5kWhr, but they are rated for a 18 A max continuous draw ! :shock: ( assuming a 24s , 80v, config)
That would mean about 1500W continuous,... so i cant see his 60mph maximum being very sustainable. !
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Where does he state 60mph sustainable? Read the URL given. Very nice vehicle. A prize winner, TWICE :!:
Aren't those cells rated a .3C for 3000 CYCLE life? 21A?
similar to TS,
View attachment 1

WINDEV.JPG
 
The 18 A continuous discharge was quoted from their spec sheet,.. as linked .
So even from his own data, at 25mph , he is drawing 22A , beyond the recommended continuous cell rating.
...no big deal, but it make the 60mph figure a little academic, and not really usable.
What would you say is the realistic "cruising" speed to maintain his battery life ?
I seems odd to have the battery's as the limiting component in the system. :?

Oh yes , and those awards were for .." Longest Projected Distance Award in last two years of UCI's Energy Invitational race" .... which is basicly an economy competition.
Very commendable, but it does not necessarily make it a practical vehicle .
 
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