EV Digest 3342
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) re: the recent MSN article
by "Jon \"Sheer\" Pullen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
2) Re: death of a DCP raptor; Get a Zilla!
by Jim Coate <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
3) Re: EV digest 3007
by Lee Hart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
4) Re: AC/DC hybrid drive combo? (was Re: Fisher Fury EV Concept)
by Jim Coate <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
5) Re: EV digest 3007
by Peter VanDerWal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
6) Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection and dyno load
by "Joe Smalley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
7) Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection and dyno load
by Rod Hower <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
8) Re: death of a DCP raptor, ?'s an' comments
by "Roland Wiench" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
9) Re: death of a DCP raptor; Get a Zilla!
by "Roland Wiench" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
10) Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection and dyno load
by "Joe Smalley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
11) Re: Oxygen and oil
by "David Chapman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
12) Re: Oxygen and oil
by "Joe Smalley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
13) Re: how small is too small?
by "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
14) Re: how small is too small?
by Ben Apollonio <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
15) Re: death of a DCP raptor
by Ben Apollonio <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
16) EVLN(Lexus RX 400h V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
17) EVLN(Remarketed refurb Electric scooters on Ebay)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
18) EVLN(K-Charge for large format Li-ion batteries)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
19) EVLN(GW's summit golf cart is a GEM)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
20) EVLN(ZAP to visit the Father of Asian EVs in China)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
21) EVLN(RAV 4 EV On Kenyan Roads)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--- Begin Message ---
In reaction to Bruce Parmenter's comments..
'First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then
you win'.
We've moved from step one to step two. ;-)
S.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Roland Wiench wrote:
> What is the weight of you EV and overall gear ratio's?
My truck weighs in at about 4300 pounds. No clue what the gear ratios
are.
Rich Rudman wrote:
> ... Damon tracked this kinda fail to a Welded Diode ...
> The Raptors didn't have this happen very often.
Yeah, well... not often turns out not to be the same as never. Bummer.
Sometimes I'd prefer not to be different.
So Roland, with your very heavy EV, think carefully about getting a
T-Rex that is known to fail more often and that is out of production and
not repairable.
Not long ago I thought the Raptor was filling a nice gap between Curtii
and Zilla's for those in the middle who needed a little more but not
ready to take the bigger installation. I don't have a Zilla (yet) but
would now say it is the only way to go for medium and large needs. And
at 7000 pounds you are large so a Zilla would have always made sense.
The one question is Zilla 1K or 2K? By weight the 2K seems right, but by
the 400-800 amp numbers you posted the 1K might do it? Probably best to
ask Otmar on that.
I hope the Axe controllers are the "less aggressive" design for
longevity.
_________
Jim Coate
1992 Chevy S-10
1970s Elec-Trak E20
http://www.eeevee.com
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Mark Thomasson wrote:
> How much brush advance do you recommend for best efficiency?
Brush advance has very little effect on efficiency. You adjust it to
minimize arcing.
It's pretty much a trial-and-error process. Ideally, you would have
adjustable brush rigging, and adjust the brushes for minimal arcing
while running the motor at the maximum expected load (highest voltage
and current).
--
Lee A. Hart Ring the bells that still can ring
814 8th Ave. N. Forget your perfect offering
Sartell, MN 56377 USA There is a crack in everything
leeahart_at_earthlink.net That's how the light gets in - Leonard Cohen
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Lee Hart wrote:
What I was thinking of is using the AC and DC motors as your high-power
battery charger.
oooohhh. now I get it.
You're going to be limited by how much AC power you can
get -- not by the capabilities of the AC and DC motors!
a-yup. and very well isolated too.
_________
Jim Coate
1970's Elec-Trak
1992 Chevy S-10 BEV
1997 Chevy S-10 NGV
http://www.eeevee.com
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
On Sun, 2004-02-08 at 22:11, Lee Hart wrote:
> Mark Thomasson wrote:
> > How much brush advance do you recommend for best efficiency?
>
> Brush advance has very little effect on efficiency. You adjust it to
> minimize arcing.
Are you sure? I haven't tied this on seres wound motors, but I have
with PM motors. On PM motors, brush advance effects efficiency, RPM,
current, torque, etc. This is at voltage below arcing voltage though.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
if Rich does not open the door or put the load bank outside when he is doing
a final test on a PFC-50, it is impossible to see 20 feet inside the shop
because of all the steam.
He has called it the sauna treatment.
The PFC-50 usually does not mind.
His printer hates it.
Joe Smalley
Rural Kitsap County WA
Fiesta 48 volts
NEDRA 48 volt street conversion record holder
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rod Hower" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection and dyno load
> Rich,
> I don't have a battery pack in the Ametek lab.
> 100 milli ohms easily gives me 50 amps load current
> with 4 amps in the field of the NEV sepex motor.
> I put the 100 milli load directly across the armature.
> The resistors I have are wimpy, so I'm looking for
> a good load bank. I'll check out C&H surpluss, thanks
> for the tip.
> Rod
> P.S. The extra heat from the load keeps the
> lab toasty, otherwise its kind of cold!
>
> --- Rich Rudman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > Rod Hower wrote:
> > >
> > > Rich,
> > > I know you like to boil water, but I'm wondering
> > > if anybody has written up a description of their
> > dyno
> > > loads.
> > > I need about 100 milliohms and 1-2 kwatts.
> > > Maybe somebody has one they want to get rid of.
> > > We used a resistor at GE that was stamped metal
> > plates
> > > stacked up 3 foot high with a plate every
> > > 2.5 inches. Each plate was 5 inches wide by 2.5
> > foot.
> > > We could make these glow orange with
> > > a 600Amp, 48V load.
> > > I sure would like to find something like that.
> > > Rod
> > >
> > Rich Furniss has some nice 4 inch wound Nichrome
> > loads from C&H surplus,
> > I use 240 volt 4500 watt hot water heater elements
> > in paralel, and then
> > I can boost this to 400 volts if I need to.
> >
> > The higher voltage is really nice for moving watts.
> >
> > On the little dyno I rectify then jam it into a 1.6
> > ohm power resistor
> > that can take 6Kw at 24 volts, air cooled. And a LOT
> > more in a water
> > bucket.
> >
> > Of course doing some Pump back efforts would be nice
> > since you can drop
> > the losses to just your system looses. With that
> > Sepex motor, what's the
> > output voltage??? if it can be pushed up to your DC
> > rail going into the
> > inverter, then you can just recycle it. The trick
> > for the Big Dyno will
> > be to push the load motor's output back into the
> > battery pack.
> > This way I can get some hang time even with SVR-14s.
> > Blowing off 10s of
> > Kw gets foolish pretty fast.
> > Ok it's getting steamy in here with a 5Kw PFC20
> > bucker doing final power
> > runs... it screws up the paper feed in my old HP4
> > laser jet.
> >
> > Gotta go.
> >
> > --
> > Rich Rudman
> > Manzanita Micro
> > www.manzanitamicro.com
> > 1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266
> >
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Joe and Rich,
Weather in Ohio sucks, I want
a Sauna treatment load bank.
I guess this is motivation to push up
the power levels of my control.
Thanks,
Rod
--- Joe Smalley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> if Rich does not open the door or put the load bank
> outside when he is doing
> a final test on a PFC-50, it is impossible to see 20
> feet inside the shop
> because of all the steam.
>
> He has called it the sauna treatment.
> The PFC-50 usually does not mind.
> His printer hates it.
>
> Joe Smalley
> Rural Kitsap County WA
> Fiesta 48 volts
> NEDRA 48 volt street conversion record holder
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rod Hower" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 6:12 PM
> Subject: Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection
> and dyno load
>
>
> > Rich,
> > I don't have a battery pack in the Ametek lab.
> > 100 milli ohms easily gives me 50 amps load
> current
> > with 4 amps in the field of the NEV sepex motor.
> > I put the 100 milli load directly across the
> armature.
> > The resistors I have are wimpy, so I'm looking for
> > a good load bank. I'll check out C&H surpluss,
> thanks
> > for the tip.
> > Rod
> > P.S. The extra heat from the load keeps the
> > lab toasty, otherwise its kind of cold!
> >
> > --- Rich Rudman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > Rod Hower wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Rich,
> > > > I know you like to boil water, but I'm
> wondering
> > > > if anybody has written up a description of
> their
> > > dyno
> > > > loads.
> > > > I need about 100 milliohms and 1-2 kwatts.
> > > > Maybe somebody has one they want to get rid
> of.
> > > > We used a resistor at GE that was stamped
> metal
> > > plates
> > > > stacked up 3 foot high with a plate every
> > > > 2.5 inches. Each plate was 5 inches wide by
> 2.5
> > > foot.
> > > > We could make these glow orange with
> > > > a 600Amp, 48V load.
> > > > I sure would like to find something like that.
> > > > Rod
> > > >
> > > Rich Furniss has some nice 4 inch wound Nichrome
> > > loads from C&H surplus,
> > > I use 240 volt 4500 watt hot water heater
> elements
> > > in paralel, and then
> > > I can boost this to 400 volts if I need to.
> > >
> > > The higher voltage is really nice for moving
> watts.
> > >
> > > On the little dyno I rectify then jam it into a
> 1.6
> > > ohm power resistor
> > > that can take 6Kw at 24 volts, air cooled. And a
> LOT
> > > more in a water
> > > bucket.
> > >
> > > Of course doing some Pump back efforts would be
> nice
> > > since you can drop
> > > the losses to just your system looses. With that
> > > Sepex motor, what's the
> > > output voltage??? if it can be pushed up to your
> DC
> > > rail going into the
> > > inverter, then you can just recycle it. The
> trick
> > > for the Big Dyno will
> > > be to push the load motor's output back into the
> > > battery pack.
> > > This way I can get some hang time even with
> SVR-14s.
> > > Blowing off 10s of
> > > Kw gets foolish pretty fast.
> > > Ok it's getting steamy in here with a 5Kw PFC20
> > > bucker doing final power
> > > runs... it screws up the paper feed in my old
> HP4
> > > laser jet.
> > >
> > > Gotta go.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Rich Rudman
> > > Manzanita Micro
> > > www.manzanitamicro.com
> > > 1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266
> > >
> >
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hello Rich,
I had ment' to say Zilla, my mind went blank there for a moment. The picture
on the Zilla controllers is a T-Rex Dinosaur.
You have said a Zilla 2k will melt down my motor and suggest to me a while
back to get a 1000 Amp Zilla with my gear ratios and set the current limit
to 400 amps as my existing controller was set at.
Doesn't a 20:1 gear ratio reduces the motor amperes more than a 9:1 gear
ratio?
Roland
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich Rudman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 6:49 PM
Subject: Re: death of a DCP raptor, ?'s an' comments
> Roland Wiench wrote:
> >
> > Hello Jim and everybody,
> >
> > What is the weight of you EV and overall gear ratio's? I have a EV
> > that
> > weighs about 7000 lbs fully loaded. It has a 19:1 ratio in first, 13:1
> > ratio in second and 5.57 in third.
> >
> > It uses the old antique CableForm MK 10 controller which is rated for
> > 950
> > amps max. The battery ampere is current limit to 400 amps and motor amps
> > is
> > limit to 800 amps which was stall tested back at CableForm for
> > remanufacturing.
> >
> > I made a run up a long 1 mile 10 percent grade hill, pulling only 360
> > battery amps at a start run up speed of 60 mph and finish at top of hill
> > at
> > 45 mph which was limit by the size of my batteries and voltage drop.
> >
> > I been looking for a new controller to replace this unit which will go
> > back
> > into my original EV which will be kept in original condition.
> >
> > A Curtis unit does not go above 144 volts. Curtis suggest to drop my
> > battery pack from 180 volts to 156 volts to run my 165 volt motor, but
> > the
> > 600 amp rating would not work.
> >
> > I also look at Raptor 1200 (which they WEB Site is still up after two
> > years
> > out of production)
> >
> > I now will go for a T-Rex 1000 unit because of my 20:1 to 5.57:1 ratios.
> > If
> > I can get weight and gear data from others who use a T-Rex 1000, so I
> > can
> > run the numbers to see if I can use that unit.
> >
> > In the power section in Units and Conversion Factors in a Standard
> > Handbook
> > for Electrical Engineers:
> >
> > 1.356 watts = 1 foot-pound per second = 60 RPM
> >
> > Using a inch-pound and foot-pound torque wrench with a RPM meter that
> > reads
> > the rpm by a roller against the motor shaft, My torque is 8.57 ftlbs to
> > move the 7000 lbs of weight with a ratio of 20:1 ratio.
> >
> > The torque on a 3000 lb EV with a 9:1 is about the same.
> >
> > Roland
> >
>
> Roland.... a bunch of us have tried to get you to go with a Zilla 2K.
> You don't seam to get the hint.
> I helped design the Raptor and T-Rex, and built more than a few. When I
> warn you away from a product that I had a hand in building, You better
> take note!!!
> The T-Rexs are even more fragil than the Raptors.
> With your weight and voltages you need a liquid cooled controller. Or a
> very light experienced hand on the throttles.
>
> I could get years of service with 144 volts and a Curtis 1231, you just
> use LOTS of gear changes and the biggest heatsink you can find. And you
> have to Keep a eye on all your temps like a experimental Aircraft pilot
> does.
> 7000 lbs and 180 volts and a heavy foot is going to put the hurt on
> everything except a water cooled controller.
> Note that the Zilla 2K and the Raptor can melt your motor a lot faster
> than the controller will fail. I have the notes and the broken motor
> parts!!
> Damon has shut the Raptor Rex line down for two clear reasons first he
> has a OEM account for little AXE MosFet based controllers. He ships in
> the hundreds of unita a month, with very few returns. He doesn't have
> the time for the on road EVs and the resultant support. And as time goes
> on and the Aging of the in service units continues, and agressive design
> is taking it's toll on longevity.
> Less agressive designs have many more devices, and cost a few times
> more to build.
> Please don't try to use a T-Rex, you won't be happy for very long.
>
> I still drive a Raptor just about every other day, and I horse it
> around, and basicly beat the crap out of it. It's unit #22, Old and hand
> buildt by Damon and Rich C and Dean T,and I. The units buildt in the old
> Garage Days, are still my pride.
>
> Oh yea it's not the torque that you need to know it's the sustained
> Motor loop current to make that torque that matters in the life time of
> the controller. And how fast you can blow the heat out of the power
> stage heatsink in the Rex. Damon would KILL for the newest heatsink in
> the PFC50s., and it would fit....well sort of. I used spare T-Rex
> heatsinks on the first 10 PFC50s.
>
>
> Get a Zilla!!
>
> --
> Rich Rudman
> Manzanita Micro
> www.manzanitamicro.com
> 1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I ment' to say Zilla-1000, is a Zilla a T-Rex dinosaur as picture on the
controller?
Roland
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Coate" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 7:43 PM
Subject: Re: death of a DCP raptor; Get a Zilla!
> Roland Wiench wrote:
> > What is the weight of you EV and overall gear ratio's?
>
> My truck weighs in at about 4300 pounds. No clue what the gear ratios
> are.
>
> Rich Rudman wrote:
> > ... Damon tracked this kinda fail to a Welded Diode ...
> > The Raptors didn't have this happen very often.
>
> Yeah, well... not often turns out not to be the same as never. Bummer.
> Sometimes I'd prefer not to be different.
>
> So Roland, with your very heavy EV, think carefully about getting a
> T-Rex that is known to fail more often and that is out of production and
> not repairable.
>
> Not long ago I thought the Raptor was filling a nice gap between Curtii
> and Zilla's for those in the middle who needed a little more but not
> ready to take the bigger installation. I don't have a Zilla (yet) but
> would now say it is the only way to go for medium and large needs. And
> at 7000 pounds you are large so a Zilla would have always made sense.
>
> The one question is Zilla 1K or 2K? By weight the 2K seems right, but by
> the 400-800 amp numbers you posted the 1K might do it? Probably best to
> ask Otmar on that.
>
> I hope the Axe controllers are the "less aggressive" design for
> longevity.
>
> _________
> Jim Coate
> 1992 Chevy S-10
> 1970s Elec-Trak E20
> http://www.eeevee.com
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
There are two choices... 1) Larger load bank or 2) smaller room.
Joe Smalley
Rural Kitsap County WA
Fiesta 48 volts
NEDRA 48 volt street conversion record holder
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rod Hower" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 8:18 PM
Subject: Re: BLDC dyno and control and DSP selection and dyno load
> Joe and Rich,
> Weather in Ohio sucks, I want
> a Sauna treatment load bank.
> I guess this is motivation to push up
> the power levels of my control.
> Thanks,
> Rod
> --- Joe Smalley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > if Rich does not open the door or put the load bank
> > outside when he is doing
> > a final test on a PFC-50, it is impossible to see 20
> > feet inside the shop
> > because of all the steam.
> >
> > He has called it the sauna treatment.
> > The PFC-50 usually does not mind.
> > His printer hates it.
> >
> > Joe Smalley
> > Rural Kitsap County WA
> > Fiesta 48 volts
> > NEDRA 48 volt street conversion record holder
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Peterson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 5:02 PM
Subject: Re: Oxygen and oil
> A pile of oily rags can spontaneousely combust. I saw a haystack stat to
> glow the go up in flames too. tom
Too easy. I am kinda well known even now with the area fire fighters from
when my manure pile went up. Took all day to put out and I still had hot
spots weeks later. David Chapman.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
How much manure were you stockpiling?
Joe Smalley
Rural Kitsap County WA
Fiesta 48 volts
NEDRA 48 volt street conversion record holder
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Chapman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: Oxygen and oil
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Peterson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 5:02 PM
> Subject: Re: Oxygen and oil
>
>
> > A pile of oily rags can spontaneousely combust. I saw a haystack stat
to
> > glow the go up in flames too. tom
>
> Too easy. I am kinda well known even now with the area fire fighters from
> when my manure pile went up. Took all day to put out and I still had hot
> spots weeks later. David Chapman.
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I remember some one in the North Park area of San Diego using small Fiats in
the mid to late seventies to make Electric cars. It is all a matter of
proportion. Just a smaller motor a few less batteries and less weight.
It's just cheaper to make a smaller EV all the way around. If you do it
right it doesn't matter much. However the best EV is the one that carries
it's weight the best. That means the smallest vehicle that can carry the
most weight for it's size. Lawrence Rhodes.......
----- Original Message -----
From: "JD & Heather" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "EV List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 9:30 AM
Subject: how small is too small?
> I noticed there is a Fiat 600 in the album that looks like a really
> neat and clean conversion. A Fiat 500 looks to be even smaller and I'd
> like to have one someday. Is there a point where a car is too small to
> get decent speed out of, say 50 to 60 mph?
>
> Thanks,
> John David
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
The Corbin sparrow was not only small, but quite speedy as well.
However it had a limited one-person capacity.
I noticed there is a Fiat 600 in the album that looks like a
really
neat and clean conversion. A Fiat 500 looks to be even smaller and I'd
like to have one someday. Is there a point where a car is too small to
get decent speed out of, say 50 to 60 mph?
Thanks,
John David
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
My sympathies to Jim!
So my understanding from recent posts is that DCP controllers, while
excellent, all things considered, are still somewhat fragile, and that
since they're no longer supported, breaking one would be a painful
experience. This does have me a bit concerned, since I have a T-Rex
1000 that's yet to be installed. I actually got it from Jim himself.
I have yet to install it, but hearing about exploding Raptors is making
me a bit nervous, since it was my understanding that they're the rugged
ones. It's not that I'm expecting the T-Rex was abused, just that I
don't want to be too hard on it.
What's necessary to ensure that my T-Rex doesn't meet the same fate? I
think someone mentioned keeping them dry. Going easy on them sounds
like a common suggestion too, but I gather Jim was only drawing 600A on
his Raptor 1200? Or was that battery side?
I'm actually already afraid to let loose with my T-Rex at 1000A as it
is, lest I break my poor Porsche 914's cute little transmission, but
how much current is safe for the controller? If I'm running 192V
(possibly 240V), where should I be drawing the line? To make matters
worse I do live in a rather hilly area, though I don't expect to be
facing any quite like the one that killed Jim's Raptor, plus my car
shouldn't weigh much more than 3000lbs.
"Get a Zilla" is a nice idea (they are gorgeous!), but I'm trying hard
to keep the cost down. Of course, what better way to drive up the cost
than to let the smoke out of a controller? Hence I don't want it to
come to that.
Thanks for your input
-Ben
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Lexus RX 400h V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
Lexus Introduces RX 400h, World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
DETROIT, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus introduced what will be
the
world's first luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV today at a press
conference at the North American International Auto Show. The
RX
400h will be powered by a V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system that
combines sub-eight second zero-to-sixty acceleration with
fuel-efficiency equivalent to the current average for a
four-cylinder compact sedan. The RX 400h will also be rated
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most
stringent emissions rating in the industry.
"The new RX 400h re-defines the midsize luxury SUV market while
raising awareness and acceptance of hybrid gas-electric vehicles
among luxury car and SUV buyers," said Denny Clements, Lexus
group vice president and general manager. "This is truly a
breakthrough in terms of hybrid gas-electric powertrains
because,
for the first time, it adds a new performance dimension to the
traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage and low
emissions."
Lexus created the car-based, luxury SUV segment with the launch
of the innovative RX 300 more than five years ago. For 2004,
Lexus made significant enhancements to the luxury content,
performance and safety features with the introduction of the RX
330, making this vehicle the perfect match for the new V6 hybrid
system.
The new RX 400h will become the premium model in the RX series,
offering smoother and quieter operation, increased performance,
significantly better fuel economy and a host of high technology,
safety and comfort features.
Vehicle Dynamic Management
The RX 400h will introduce another industry first called VDM, or
Vehicle Dynamic Management. Monitoring a variety of sensors,
the
system is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or
slide and then helps correct the situation with a combination of
braking and throttle control. The new VDM system is less
obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.
More Powerful, Advanced Drivetrain
The 400h hybrid powertrain combines a powerful electric motor
with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX
330
to significantly improve low to mid-speed acceleration and
overall fuel efficiency. The system is a "full hybrid," meaning
that the RX 400h is capable of operating in separate gas or
electric modes, as well as a mode that combines power from both.
The RX 400h will develop a peak system output of approximately
270 horsepower and deliver combined fuel economy significantly
better than the current average compact sedan rating of 27.6
miles-per-gallon. Zero-to-sixty acceleration will also improve
over the current RX 330's sub-8 second time. The RX 400h with
optional all-wheel-drive, which features a rear-drive electric
motor, will accelerate quicker yet.
The RX 400h uses a regenerative braking system to further boost
system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes
are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator,
capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat
through the brakes and converting it into useable electricity to
recharge the batteries.
One of the most remarkable features of the RX 400h is how
similar
this SUV is to its cousin, the RX 330. The computer-controlled
powertrain seamlessly blends power from the V6 gasoline engine,
the electric drive motor and the generator. The driver does not
feel the vehicle changing operational modes. In fact, the only
give-a-way is the absence of the traditional tachometer. In its
place, the RX 400h has an illuminated power meter that displays
the level of power generated by the gas-electric hybrid
powertrain. The driver will also be able to monitor the
gas-electric power distribution on the available seven-inch
touch
panel display screen that comes with the navigation system.
Luxury and Convenience Features
Lexus craftsmanship and attention to even the smallest details
continue with the RX 400h. Nearly every feature available in
the
RX 330 is found in the RX 400h, with the exception of an
exclusive RX 400h use of brushed aluminum accents inside that
convey a high-tech look and feel to match its capabilities. The
three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the
audio system as well as the hybrid system's on-board computer
monitor located in the center instrument panel.
"We believe the RX 400h will exceed the expectations of luxury
vehicle buyers and establish a premium market for
performance-oriented, fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids," said
Clements. "
Preliminary Specifications
Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6
Electric motor(s) - Permanent magnet
Estimated total horsepower - 270
Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle (SULEV)
Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Wheelbase: 106.9 in.
Length: 186.6 in.
Width: 72.6 in.
Height: 66.1 in.
SOURCE Lexus CO: Lexus ST: California, Michigan SU: PDT TDS
http://www.prnewswire.com 01/06/2004 09:00 EST
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Remarketed refurb Electric scooters on Ebay)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
Go Online Networks to Enter Electric Motorized Scooter Market;
Go Online Networks Tests Scooter Market by Acquiring 100
Motorized Scooters from Go Motorboards, Inc.
CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--01/13/2004--Joe Naughton,
CEO of Go Online Networks Corp., announced today
that it has purchased 100 motorized scooters from Go Motorboard,
Inc. These units are customer returns and will be refurbished up
to manufacturer's specification by Go Online Networks Corp.'s
consumer electronic services division Digital West Marketing
Inc.
Upon completion of the refurbishing process Digital West will
remarket the scooters on Ebay.
"This test run marks Digitals West's first foray into
non-computer products. Providing refurbishing services in this
sector is a natural extension of Digital West's technical teams
expertise. The technology utilized in the design and
construction
of the electric motors utilized in these scooters is not
dissimilar to the technology utilized in the personal computer
arena. The market for motorized scooters is growing very rapidly
as more and more retail establishments are carrying these new
and
exciting products. Upon favorable results to this test our
product sourcing and business development team will be
aggressively seeking further alliances with scooter
manufacturers," commented Mr. Naughton.
About Go Motorboards, Inc.
Go Motorboards is an Oxnard, California based designer,
manufacturer and importer of motorized scooter. The company's
first product, the 1500x TranSporter, incorporates two years of
development, engineering and design. It represents numerous
industry firsts and holds seven (7) patents pending for its
revolutionary design and technology.
The 1500X is the beginning of an entire new class of products.
It
sets a new standard for technology and quality. We are still on
the GO -- hard at work designing and engineering additional new
radical motorized scooters for demanding applications.
About Go Online Networks Corp.
Go Online Networks Corp. is a Southern California-based
technology holding company. Currently, its major operating
subsidiary Digital West Marketing Services Inc. is an emerging
player in the $100 billion Electronic Manufacturing Services
(EMS) sector. In 2002, the company generated revenues of over
$12
million and was profitable for the year. The core of Digital
West's revenue is derived from acquiring personal computers and
computer printers from retailers and manufacturers, then
refurbishing the product to manufacturer's specifications and
then reselling the products to the secondary markets. The
company
has received factory refurbishing authority from industry
leaders
Hewlett-Packard and Compaq (NYSE:HPQ).
Approximately 75 percent of the company's 2002 revenues are
derived from the sale of desktop system (CPU and monitor), 20
percent notebooks and five percent personal digital assistants
(PDA).
This press release contains forward-looking statements
[...] www.gontinvestor.com.
CONTACT:Go Online Networks Corp. Joseph Naughton, 818-718-7500
or
PMR and Associates llc Patrick M. Rost (Investor Relations),
858-350-0409 [EMAIL PROTECTED] SOURCE: Go Online Networks Corp.
01/13/2004 08:42 EASTERN
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. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
=====
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(K-Charge for large format Li-ion batteries)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
Valence Receives New Order for K-Charge System from EVI
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--01/27/2004--Valence Technology
Inc. a leader in the development and
commercialization of Saphion(R) technology, the only safe large
format Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology, today
announced that following the evaluation of K-Charge(TM) system
prototypes, Electric Vehicles International (EVI), a leading
manufacturer of electric delivery trucks and shuttle buses, has
purchased additional K-Charge systems for use in its electric
delivery vehicles.
"EVI is breaking new ground in the electric vehicle market, and
working with the team over the past several months has been a
rewarding experience," stated Stephan Godevais, chairman and CEO
of Valence. "We were able to demonstrate to EVI the safety and
performance advantages of our Saphion technology and are very
excited to take this next step."
"Our tests of the K-Charge prototypes were a success and the
product met our expectations," said B. Samra, president of EVI.
"We are eager to equip more of our delivery trucks with the
K-Charge system, a product that possesses such significant
advantages in terms of performance, safety and maintenance
costs."
About Valence Technology Inc.
Valence is a leader in the development and commercialization of
Saphion(R) technology, the only safe large format Lithium-ion
rechargeable battery technology. Valence holds an extensive,
worldwide portfolio of issued and pending patents relating to
its
Saphion(R) technology and Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
The
company has facilities in Austin, Texas, Henderson, Nev., and
Mallusk, Northern Ireland. Valence is traded on the NASDAQ
SmallCap Market under the symbol VLNC and can be found on the
Internet at www.valence.com.
About Electric Vehicles International LLC
Electric Vehicles International, with headquarters in Anderson,
Ind., designs and manufactures electric trucks, trams and buses
for use in inner city applications. Since 1989, the company has
developed and manufactured innovative product solutions for
inner
city transportation worldwide.
Forward-looking Statement
The information contained herein includes "forward-looking
statements." [...]
CONTACT:Valence Technology Inc., Austin Investor Contact: Mike
Russell, 512-527-2921 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or Media Contact:
Blanc and Otus Public Relations Sue Ellen M. Schaming,
415-856-5129 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
SOURCE: Valence Technology Inc.
01/27/2004 09:35 EASTERN
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'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
=====
__________________________________
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http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(GW's summit golf cart is a GEM)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=30786
February 2 , 2004 Latest Georgia Headlines
Fore-wheel drive: G-8 planners unveil Bushs summit golf cart
The Associated Press - SAVANNAH, Ga.
Whats red, white and blue, runs off a 72-volt battery and has a
top speed of 25 mph? The presidents official Bushmobile for the
summer Group of Eight summit.
G-8 organizers on Monday unveiled the electric car _ which
resembles a golf cart the size of a Volkswagen Beetle _
customized for President Bush to cruise around Sea Island during
the June 8-10 meeting of world leaders.
Leaders of the remaining seven countries attending the summit in
coastal Georgia need not be jealous. Theyll each get similar
rides decked out with decal motifs based on their own national
flags.
Youll see them on TV as (the leaders) arrive to meetings and
dinners during the summit, said Barry Bennett, spokesman for the
Sea Island Summit Planning Organization.
The cars are made by Global Electric Motorcars of Fargo, N.D., a
subsidiary of Daimler Chrysler. With 12-inch wheels and open
sides, they work as high-end golf carts.
But theyre also street legal in areas where the speed limit is
35
mph or less, with seat belts, headlights, mirrors and even
windshield wipers as standard features.
Capable of driving 30 miles between charging, the vehicles are
perfect for a secluded resort like Sea Island, which is only 5
miles long and half-a.m.ile wide, Bennett said.
The four-seat model the summit leaders will drive _ minus the
flashy flag decals _ retails for $8,995.
Savannah company Digital Image is in charge of decorating the
cars, using photographs of each countrys flag blown up to
5-by-10-foot decals. The trick is to make each leaders car
instantly recognizable, especially with no doors to decorate,
said company president Doug Smith.
Theres very little surface area, Smith said. The most difficult
one would be the Japanese flag ... the fact that its just a
field
of white with a red dot in the center.
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(ZAP to visit the Father of Asian EVs in China)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
Press Release Source: ZAP ZAP CEO Plans Electric Car Trade
Mission to China Monday February 2, 9:15 am ET
HONG KONG, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. electric car
startup ZAP - is planning a visit
to China to find a way for the world's new manufacturing
powerhouse to crack the electric car price barrier and deliver
low-cost, production versions to American consumers. ZAP CEO
Steve Schneider announced today he would be traveling to China
in
February as part of a trade mission with eminent electric
vehicle
scientist Dr. C.C. Chan to explore new business opportunities.
Chan and Schneider will be traveling from Hong Kong to Mainland
China visiting various manufacturers of electric vehicles,
chassis, components and propulsion systems. Stops are planned
for
Shenzhen, Yantai, Wuhan, Nanchang, Shanghai, Wuxi and Haikou.
The
trip has been scheduled between February 8 and February 20.
In 2003, ZAP contracted for the assembly of electric cars with
one of China's largest automobile manufacturers. The Company is
now working to organize distribution for electric cars to
dealers
in North, South, and Central America.
Dr. C.C. Chan, called the "Father of Asian EVs" by Global View,
was recently named as the Chairman of ZAP's Advisory Board of
Directors. Chan is considered to be one of the world's top
scientists in electric transportation. His 2001 book Modern
Electric Vehicle Technology is considered a comprehensive
reference book on the subject. Chan is scheduled to deliver a
keynote speech to the International Clean Vehicle Forum February
15 in Haikou.
Schneider took the helm of ZAP in 2002, helping the electric
scooter and bicycle manufacturer consolidate its operations
while
introducing electric cars to its vehicle lineup. Schneider, age
43, has over 20 years experience in the automotive industry.
Under his direction, the company has reorganized to focus on
marketing and distribution for electric vehicles. He has
initiated a marketing program to recruit independent auto
dealers
for the establishment of an international distribution network
for cleaner transportation technologies. He has also helped form
strategic partnerships with suppliers of electric vehicle and
other technologies.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994,
delivering more than 85,000 electric vehicles to customers in
more than 60 countries. A public company, ZAP is traded on the
Over-the-Counter stock exchange under the symbol ZAPZ. The
company offers a variety of advanced technology vehicles,
including electric cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes,
underwater scooters and more. For more information, visit
http://www.zapworld.com or call +1-707-525-8658.
Forward-looking statements in this release [...] Source: ZAP
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(RAV 4 EV On Kenyan Roads)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint
rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://allafrica.com/stories/200401290357.html
Electric Car Finally On Kenyan Roads The East African Standard
(Nairobi) January 29, 2004 Posted to the web January 29, 2004
Chris Mbaisi Nairobi
The first electric car is now on Kenyan roads. Except for the
burr of the electric motors, the vehicle is noiseless, has no
exhaust and does not pollute the environment.
The car, the only one of its kind in the country, arrived three
months ago.
It is owned by Mr Sean Adrian Khan, a programme officer at
United
Nations Environmental Programme (Unep).
According to Khan, the Toyota RAV 4 EV, operates entirely on
electricity and neither uses petrol nor diesel.
The car shown to journalists on Tuesday has an onboard charger
and requires a full charge of 240 VAC/30 amps for a period of
four hours.
Alternatively, the car can also be given a full charge in 10
minutes using another special charger, which Khan said he does
not have yet.
He said charging for the same period gives him an equivalent of
a
full tank of petrol which can cover about 150 km.
He said the car consumes about 24 kilowatts of power per full
charge.
He added that new lithium ion batteries are in the process of
being introduced and once in the market, the car will be able to
cover double the distance (300 km) with one charge.
The car, he says, does not use oil, fan belts, exhaust,
alternator, air filter and a host of the usual car parts that
need regular maintenance. He said all he needs to replace in the
car are brake pads and shock absorbers.
"Compared with its petrol version that gets 10 km per litre of
petrol, it costs an equivalent of Sh10 per litre of fuel or one
shilling for every kilometre driven," Khan said, making the new
car 80 per cent cheaper to operate than the conventional
vehicle.
He said buying the car on the second-hand market did not only
cost less than the petrol version, but was also comparatively
easier to run.
The reconditioned version of the car goes for around Sh600,000.
The car produces no fumes and is extremely quiet, travelling 110
km on a full "tank" with a maximum speed of 125 kph. The car is
also equipped with air conditioning, heated seats, power windows
and all the unnecessary options needed when operating in the
Kenyan climate.
Like a regular car, it has a fuel gauge, which indicates when to
fill up and a few other smarts to help increase efficiency.
"For instance, regenerative braking is an option that converts
the kinetic energy into electric power and in the process
re-charges the batteries while braking on a downhill cruise.
The car, he said has special low rolling resistance tyres (LRR)
which reduce friction while improving efficiency by as much as
15
per cent.
Khan says the car costs US$7,000 (Sh546,000) at the used market
in Japan.
In the United States second-hand market, the car goes for
approximately US$25,000 (Sh1.9 million) while a new one costs
US$46,000 (Sh3.6 million).
Khan said the tariff on the car when importing was less compared
to petrol cars as it was considered a non-pollutant. He said a
similar used car is expected in Kenya soon.
He adds, however, that there are only 800 'all electric' RAV 4's
around the world. Copyright � 2003 The East African Standard.
All rights reserved
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