When gas hits $10 a gallon...

OK, I'm feeling the comedy... but why does anybody suggest yet another gasoline car to help ease the gasoline problem?! (We actually have those cars for rent around here, and they're mostly just a loud, stinky nusance). They might get get the same gas mileage as the Prius (with a limited top speed of 25mph) but I tend to doubt it. And I KNOW they pollute more.

Why not set your sites higher, and actually get a gas-free highway-capable vehicle?

Or... do what the smart folks are already doing, and stop driving.

 

Not unless you move to California, you're not. They won't sell outside of CA. Not at first, anyway.

Nope. See above.

I'm actually think about a conversion these days.

 

Ouch! I didn't see that part. I would seriously consider selling the Prius to a friend for a vehicle like this.

What kind of conversion are you thinking of Daniel?

 

Nope. That was a modified Sparrow (now a Myer's NMG). Here's an original, without the gold protuberance on the back.

 

Leave it to the entrepreneurs.... I hope they succeed. I was saving up my $ for a Tesla. I might change to an Aptera depending on when they actually start producing. I really hope this isn't a replay of the Tesla story (constantly pushing back the production date due to unresolved technical challenges).

 

Even in Britain thay are motorcycles I believe.

Actually had one like the OP posted in a charity motorcycle run I was in, back in February. It had a small scooter engine and trans in the back and the worst steering I have ever seen, bloody thing shouldn't have been on the road. It had 2 people in it and was ducking around all over the lane, the smallest bump upset it. I hope anyone who builds a 3 wheeled electric car does their homework and gets the steering and suspension right.

I have always had a soft spot for the Sinclair C5 Pedal assist ed electric trike.


Now this is a trike I would love to own

 

I wonder why they didn't use a modern engine?

The T-Rex will outperform a Ferarri to 140mph. It has a modern Japanese engine in it.

 

I'm talking to Cool Green Cars in Florida. Their main thing is Porsche conversions, but they're converting a Camry, and they have other cars they'll convert. About $30K for the conversion, plus about $30K for a 100-mile battery pack, plus the donor car. You can spend more or less for the motor, depending on how much power you want, and more or less for batteries, depending on the range you want. More than 50 miles range requires lithium batteries. Under 50 miles can be done with lead and is a lot cheaper. But I no longer trust lead. A Camry would be more practical than a Porsche. But a Porsche is a beautiful car, and I'll still have my Prius for when I need practical.

Bottom line: A car as cool as the Tesla Roadster but with a lot more interior space and about half the power and range of a Tesla, on a decade-old Porsche donor car, would cost maybe 20% less than the Tesla.

A new bottom trim-line Camry with no options might be $10K cheaper than the Porsche for the same power and range.

If you're willing to settle for a pre-1990-era Porsche donor car and 50-mile range (lead batteries) you can get the price down to around $50K. But that was before air bags, so I'm not even considering it. I can afford safety, and I will buy safety.

Tesla's waiting list is around 18 months now, in my estimation, and no word on when or if the Aptera will be available outside California. CGC says it takes about 8 weeks to convert a Porsche.

No decision yet.

 

Interesting.

Would converting a Prius cost as much, since it already has one motor and set of batteries already? Have they done one yet?

 

Even more options...

Is there some way to confirm that CGC is a 'real' solution? I was interested in Hybrid Technologies; but they seem to be selling vapor. I might seriously consider converting a MINI (especially if I can find a donor car that has a failed CVT) if CGC is a real company with real products.

 

The motor-generators in the Prius are probably much too small to be of use, and it's very hard to integrate batteries of different types and different characteristics. If you had several Prius batteries you might be able to use them, but otherwise the one would probably not do. The end result of converting a Prius is that you'd be throwing away more value (the entire hybrid system) than with any other car. You would have a fine body style, though.

Darell has heard positive things about them. I'll visit them and see the cars before I give them any money. Probably add a couple of days to my Bahamas trip go up to see them while I'm in Ft. Lauderdale. They seem to be on the level. It's not a full-on car company, as I think Hybrid Technologies was supposed to be. It's just a high-end conversion shop. But if you have the necessary skills, you can convert a car yourself. Lots of information and parts suppliers on the web.

 

But...but...I want one. That Aptera is just sooo beautiful...and practical, and safe, and it really doesn't look at all like a noisy, stinky gas monster...and of course the answer to the automobile problem is another automobile, isn't it?:suspicious:

 

I keep fantasizing about a company that offers only an electric chassis and you get to bolt on any old body you want, perhaps with clips so you can one day drive an electric 1963 thunderbird, and the next day a 1952 ford pick up, and the next day a 1965 cadillac with fins.

 

I hear you MarinJohn -- But the 65 Caddy just barely had any fins left after 20 yrs.

You want fins, go for a '58 --


or '59 --

 

Please update us on your visit to CGC.

I have been exchanging e-mails with Paul of CGC and on the basis of the e-mail exchange, CGC certainly seems to be credible. Paul is open with information on what he does to convert the cars to EV, which is a complete 180 from the experience with Hybrid Technologies <---mum, mum, MUM! Right now I am looking for a MINI that could be used as a donor car for an EV conversion. Being able to give the middle-fingered salute to the oil companies would (for me) outweigh the cost of an EV conversion. With a Li battery pack, Paul is getting 100+ mile range on his EV Porsche, which is too cool for school.... Kind of like being able to have ones' cake and eat it too....

 

I will. It will likely be in June, when I pass through Ft. Lauderdale on my way to Bimini Island. Since I spend most of June and all of July and August traveling, there's no point in making a special trip now, since if I ordered a car now I would get it about the time I leave.

I've also talked to Douglass at the L.A. location of CGC. That would be easier for me to visit. I did not get the same impression of stability from Douglass that I got from Paul. PM me if you want to know more about my impressions. I am influenced by such impressions, but I don't think it's appropriate to post them on a public forum.

 

Re: Even more options...

I own a decent block of HYBR stock; its performance (like the "products" they're offering) have been something of a disappointment so far.

 

Re: Even more options...

Ouch. Hopefully your exposure isn't too much.