There are two ways to look at this problem: From an engineering point of
view, and from a marketing/legal perspective.
From an engineering standpoint, there is no doubt that a safe
high-performance 4-passenger EV could be built that's under 1000 lbs.
Reducing the weight scales down the whole problem; so for a given
performance level you can use a smaller motor and controller, fewer
batteries, etc. That translates into less energy needed to move it,
lower cost, and other benefits. It's what Amory Lovins called his
"hypercar" concept. Lawrence is right; we have the technology and
materials to do it. There have already been a number of interesting
prototypes that are close enough to prove it's possible.
But, this is a disruptive approach that goes against the entire
automotive industry. For a start, the auto companies only want to build
what they have *always* built. They want to keep using all their
existing plants, materials, parts, manufacturing methods, and
technology. This is how they maximize profit, and keep out competitors.
They don't want to build EVs because it throws out all their ICE
expertise (they'd lose their competitive advantage). They don't want to
use composites because it obsoletes their massive investments in steel
stamping plants. They hate risk and change, and so don't want to try
anything different because it might not work and reduce profits.
Government regulations have all been written around the cars of the
past. No change or improvement can be made without monumental
foot-dragging, legal challenges, and lobbying by the auto industry. It's
no accident that the regulations tend to be written to lock in the
design of today's cars as "the way it must be done". A hyperlight car
just isn't going to fit within the present-day safety standards.
Finally, the consumer market doesn't want a hypercar. They don't care
about light weight or efficiency. In fact, they see weight as a
*virtue*. The mass market wants cars that have all the latest
fashionable toys and flourishes (LED dome light, another air bag, more
cupholders, and styled to look like some more expensive car). But
underneath, they want it to be exactly the same as it's always been.
Thus you can build a hypercar... but you can't sell it. It would only
interest a tiny slice of the market. Due to the low production volumes,
it would be very expensive. That leads to no customers... and so no
business.
The only "crack" I can see for the light to get in is if it can be built
and sold as a kit car. That could get around the regulatory requirements
(a home builder can do things a car company can't). It also avoids the
excessive cost, as the builder provides "factory" and the labor.
--
Knowledge is better than belief. Belief is when someone else does
your thinking. -- anonymous
--
Lee Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, www.sunrise-ev.com
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