Zenn

[dragonfly]

Thanks Lazysheep - you even got the color right!

Dave, you are the coolest of the cool.

Daniel, you crack me up.

[PoulStaugaard]

As I understand, it uses the EEStor ultracapacitors in stead of conventional batteries. Is this true? If so, what is the capacity/weight? What is the range? Charge time?

[DaveinOlyWA]

Originally Posted by PoulStaugaard

As I understand, it uses the EEStor ultracapacitors in stead of conventional batteries. Is this true? If so, what is the capacity/weight? What is the range? Charge time?

actually they use lead acid batteries. the UC's are slated to be used in the next gen Zenn scheduled for relesed in fall 2009.

as far as charge time on my Zenn, i am currently getting just under 4 miles per kwh... when the batteries are less than 50 %, i can charge as much as a 1½ kwh in less than an hour.

a full charge takes about 6 hours, but the charge rate is exponential... i can get an 80% charge in 2-3 hours. my range is probably 30+ miles, but i have driven as much as 51 miles in a day because of a short mid-day charge.

although i dont do it now (have actually done it 3 times in 7½ months) there are getting to be more and more charging stations popping up around town that i can plug in for free.... most of the time, too lazy to toss extension cord into the car...(that would add to my "refuel" time...)

as far as specs on the UC.... they will have two charge methods, an optional quick charge pack that will allow a 95% charge in about 3-5 mins.
but will also still have the slow charge method that will use any standard 110 volt system. that will take 12-14 hours for a full charge but will get a 80% in 6-8 hours. with an expected range of 120 miles, i would only occasionally use more than 50 % of the charge. but it would still be home long enough to charge 8-12 hours a day.

[daniel]

I rode in a Zenn the other day. It's a very nice little car indeed. It took 12 seconds to go from 0 to 35 mph. (My Xebra takes 31 seconds.) It's roomy and comfortable. My Xebra will go farther on a charge, and I need that extra range, but for anyone whose daily driving fits the Zenn's capability, I'd recommend it. (As Dave noted, here in WA it's allowed to go 35 mph.) The one I rode in has an AC motor (I don't know if that's standard, or if it was an upgrade.) It also has regen braking, but not the way the Prius does: As we all know, the brake pedal in the Prius applies regen. In the Zenn it's only letting up on the go pedal that applies regen. Not a good system in my opinion. But my Xebra does not have regen at all.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the Zenn.