EV Digest 2406

Topics covered in this issue include:

  1) Tilleys Motor
        by "Rod Hower" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  2) Zivan NG3
        by "paul compton (IACR-RES)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  3) Re: Newbie question re: Rabbit conversions
        by Sharkey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  4) Fast Charge Anyone?
        by "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  5) EVLN(But Electric cars are not made by American companies)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  6) EVLN(CN Scientists are hoping for an EV breakthrough)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  7) EVLN(As bad as automakers not developing an electric car)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  8) EVLN(Electric Scooters just in time for Christmas)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
  9) EVLN(Lepton E Italian Electric Scooter)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 10) EVLN(NEW YORK TIMES BLASTS BUSH FOR STANCE ON EVS)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 11) EVLN(Solicitation: HYBRID MV-4 TOW TRACTOR UPGRADE)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 12) EVLN(Electric Bar stools to hot rods)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 13) EVLN(Saturn Ion hybrid)
        by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 14) Re: Newbie question re: Rabbit conversions
        by Sharkey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 15) RE: EMeter and Palm device
        by "Paschke, Stephen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 16) Re: Newbie question re: Rabbit conversions
        by "Bob Rice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 17) Electric Scooters
        by "James Jarrett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 18) Re: Newbie question re: Rabbit conversions
        by "David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 19) Re: EVLN(Bridgestone's li-ion additive doubles battery capacity)
        by "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 20) Re: AC control power module
        by Rich Rudman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 21) Re: AC control power module
        by "Rod Hower" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 22) RE: VW Rabbit heater core
        by "Sell, Ken" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 23) Re: Fast Charge Anyone?
        by Rich Rudman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--- Begin Message ---
I finally figured out what Tilley 'thinks' he has.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pulse_Motor_Group/

These people build 'pulse' motors that they believe can run buy themselves
but extracting energy from neutrino's.

They have mentioned Tilleys car as a 'working' example of this.

Bad science, instrumentation and interpretation in my opinion, but
these people are avid believers.

The truth is out there

Morpheous: Neo, we are simply batteries to power the matrix.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
In the past couple of weeks I've been reverse engineering the logic card of the NG3 
charger. I don't have a complete circuit diagram and some parts of it are not in 
electronic format, but if anyone would like access then contact me direct. 

The design could best be described as digitally controlled analogue. With a basic non 
temp compensated IUo curve the uController would not be involved except for 
terminating the charge when the current had tapered sufficiently. The PWM chip is 
set-up to run at maximum duty cycle and is throttled back by the output from either 
the current or voltage limit comparators, which derive their reference voltages from a 
dual channel digital pot. The two trimmer pots change the amount of signal from the 
current/voltage sensing circuits, which is why the current pot alters both bulk and 
equalise current (the latter is just a fixed percentage of the first).

I'm just starting work on a replacement board.


Paul Compton
www.sciroccoev.co.uk
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
>> Is there a logical successor vehicle to the Rabbit still in production?
>
>The Mk1 Golf (Rabbit) is still in production....
>
>In South Africa
>

Yes, and I can think of about 400 guys in a VW forum who would each buy at
least one if you could get them imported!!!

-S
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
This is from 1998.  We have seen most of this come to pass.  Lawrence
Rhodes...
Fast Charge Anyone?
Need a quick recharge of your electric vehicle? This 50kW inductive charger
is built to recharge an EV up to 80% state-of-charge (SOC) in just 15
minutes. The charger has a built-in credit card reader like a moden gas
pump, except this one dispenses electricity safely and without the smell and
toxic fumes of petroleum.
Also on display at NAEVI '98 were several conductive fast chargers which are
also capable of recharging a vehicle under 20 minutes depending on the
vehicle's SOC.

Interestingly, the most promising new market for these Level III chargers is
in the off-road EV market of industrial fork lifts and airport ground
service equipment. Fast charging can eliminate the need for extra sets of
batteries and the cumbersome process of swapping heavy batteries at shift
changes. Paradoxically, fast charging also seems to increase the service
life of lead acid batteries. (Go directly to the source)
http://evworld.com/archives/conferences/naevi98/naevi98-photo.html
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(But Electric cars are not made by American companies)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.riley30oct30,0,785253.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dheadlines
During the campaign, Riley has suggested he would drive an
electric car if elected county executive. In an interview,
he said his only problem with the idea is that electric cars
are not made by American companies.

"But it may be worth doing to set an example," Riley said.
Copyright © 2002, The Baltimore Sun
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(CN Scientists are hoping for an EV breakthrough)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2002-11-01/91953.html
Olympic agenda targets clean energy (YU YILEI) 11/01/2002

Pollution-free energies are expected to be the main fuels
used during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, says a
newly-released "Scientific Olympics" document.

A Beijing think-tank has placed electricity, solar, wind and
geothermal power on its Olympic research agenda to ensure
clean air, blue sky and clear water for the Olympic Games.

Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the development
of an electric vehicle, which is still in the research stage
now.

The electric vehicle will be used inside the Olympic Village
to transport athletes, says the document. The vehicle is
also expected to play a part in public transportation in
2008.

To fulfil the goal, the national scientific governing
division launched a five-year project with a planned
investment of 880 million yuan (US$106 million).

Planners view solar power as a major alternative to
electricity. Such power will fuel up to 90 per cent of the
street lamps and the heating of bath water in the Olympic
Village during the Games.

Part of the Olympic Action Plan, the document also focuses
on topics like venue construction, telecommunications,
security and environmental protection.
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(As bad as automakers not developing an electric car)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://washingtontimes.com/sports/20021105-10805425.htm

And last but not least, I'm no more concerned about some of
the head-rattling hits in the secondary than I am about
Terrell Owens carrying a Sharpie in his sock. What really
bothers me is that in the year 2002, the NFL — despite its
vast wealth — still hasn't come up with a helmet that
affords its players better protection. I mean, that's as bad
as auto makers not developing an electric car, but I don't
want to stray too far afield here.
-




=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Electric Scooters just in time for Christmas)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://www.theitem.com/update/Classifieds/trans.cfm
Friday November 1, 2002

Electric Scooters: 2 rechargeable batteries, lights & turn
signals. Just in time for Christmas. 773-8260
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Lepton E Italian Electric Scooter)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://ads.specificpop.com/code?pid=108&gid=17&rid=539398193&dom=5&dow=2&hod=6
Getting a charge out of electric vehicles
A handful of producers make things interesting
By Craig Fitzgerald, Globe Correspondent, 11/3/2002

For most of the big manufacturers selling cars in the United
States, 2003 is a rebuilding year for electric vehicle
production. But that hasn't stopped a few innovators from
developing electric vehicles for this narrow niche.

Since the dawn of the automobile, electric power has been
touted as the next great thing in automotive propulsion. In
the 1890s, a battle raged between gasoline-, electric-, and
steam-powered automobiles. For reasons uncovered at length
in ''The Electric Vehicle and the Burden of History,'' by
David A. Kirsch, electricity never caught on as a practical
method for propelling a large number of automobiles. But
even as many fully electric vehicles have bowed out to make
way for gas/ electric hybrids that don't require a plug,
there are still a handful of interesting electric vehicles
on the market.

Global Electric Motorcars
GEM is the largest producer in the United States of electric
vehicles that can be licensed for use on public roads. GEM
was established in 1997 and offers a product lineup
including two- and four-passenger models and two utility
vehicles. In 1999, the company got a significant boost when
DaimlerChrylser bought it to add to its zero-emission
vehicle portfolio.

GEM's egg-shaped vehicles are classified as Neighborhood
Electric Vehicles and as such have a maximum speed of 25
miles per hour. These vehicles can be driven on roads posted
at 35 miles per hour or less. Perfect for in-town trips to
the market, or city driving, the two-passenger GEM rings in
at about $7,000. Its small utility vehicle has a rugged
diamond-tread bed for heavy use. Find out more at
www.gemcar.com.

Corbin Sparrow
For years, the name Corbin has been synonymous with
comfortable motorcycle seats. Most new motorcycle buyers
make a Corbin seat their first aftermarket purchase. But
after building several moderately successful electric
motorcycles, Mike Corbin decided a fully-protected electric
vehicle would be most practical.

Enter the Corbin Sparrow, a one-passenger, radically styled,
three-wheeled electric vehicle capable of speeds around 70
miles an hour. The Sparrow's footprint is only about 4 feet
by 8 feet and it weighs in at around 900 pounds, 540 of that
in batteries. Its single rear wheel is powered, while the
two front wheels handle steering duties. Suspension is a
double A-arm up front and a single-sided, motorcycle-style
swingarm in the rear.

On standard 110-volt house power, the Sparrow charges in
about six hours. Boost to 220 volts and the Sparrow can be
charged in just two hours.

Perhaps the Sparrow's best feature: It is registered as a
motorcycle. Most high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes
including the Zipper on the Southeast Expressway are open to
motorcycles, and therefore to the Corbin Sparrow. Since the
cabin is enclosed and protected from the elements and
crashes, a helmet isn't required, though a motorcycle
license is. The Sparrow is priced at $14,999, and a Sparrow
II is in the works. Learn more at www.corbinmotors.com.

Oxygen Lepton E
Electricity seems to be much kinder to two-wheeled vehicles
than to four. The inherent lightness of a motorcycle,
scooter, or bicycle lends itself to electric power. Battery
packs can be smaller and thus reduce the overall weight of
the vehicle.

The latest two-wheeled offering is from Italy, and is
therefore one of the most stylish electric two-wheelers on
the market today. The Oxygen Lepton E looks very much as
you'd expect an Italian scooter to look.

The Lepton E features a Nickel-Zinc battery pack, which
reduces weight to a manageable level. Like a 50cc
gas-powered scooter, the Lepton E leaves the factory limited
to about 35 miles per hour. Even more attractive is the fact
that the Lepton E can be registered as a moped and therefore
skirt a lot of regulations imposed on larger scooters. The
Lepton E can be parked on a sidewalk and doesn't require a
full motorcycle license. In fact, in Massachusetts, a moped
owner must possess only a learner's permit and a
DOT-approved helmet.

You can find out more about the Oxygen Lepton-E at www.
oxygenworld.net. [ http://www.oxygenworld.net ]
This story ran on page J10 of the Boston Globe on 11/3/2002.
© Copyright 2002 Globe Newspaper Company.
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(NEW YORK TIMES BLASTS BUSH FOR STANCE ON EVS)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://library.northernlight.com/FB20021028900008020.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#doc
NEW YORK TIMES BLASTS BUSH FOR STANCE ON CALIFORNIA ZEVS
Story Filed: Monday, October 28, 2002 10:33 AM EST

Oct 28, 2002 (Octane Week/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- The Bush
administration's support for automakers in their fight
against California's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
is further evidence of the president's "unwillingness to
offend his political allies by pushing the industry to
develop cleaner cars," according to recent New York Times
editorial.

The auto industry took California to court over the
zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) program, claiming that it
attempts to mandate fuel economy standards. The Bush
administration later filed a court briefing in support of
the automakers' claims that the ZEV program usurps federal
authority by setting fuel economy standards, which is
typically function of the federal government.

But the Times says that argument is "dubious."

"Hybrids do get more miles to the gallon than conventional
cars, and for that reason create fewer of the gases that
cause smog and climate change," the newspaper said.
"California's interest, however, lies not in setting
nationwide fuel standards, but simply in getting cleaner car
for California."

Since there is no viable commercial market for electric
cars, California said that Detroit could meet part of its
quota with hybrid vehicles, the newspaper pointed out.

[Copyright 2002 Chemical Week Associates. All rights
reserved.] Octane Week, Vol. 17, No. 41 [Copyright 2002
Chemical Week Associates. All rights reserved.] By Jeremy
Glunt Copyright 2002 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved. 
Copyright © 2002, Phillips Publishing International, all
rights reserved.
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Solicitation: HYBRID MV-4 TOW TRACTOR UPGRADE)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://library.northernlight.com/FC20021031910000066.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#doc
SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR ONE (1) HYBRID ELECTRIC MV-4 TOW TRACTOR
-- Solicitation
Story Filed: Thursday, October 31, 2002 11:04 AM EST
Oct 31, 2002 (FedBizOpps via COMTEX) -- NOTICE TYPE:
Presolicitation Notice
DATE POSTED: 30-OCT-02
AGENCY: Department of Transportation
OFFICE ADDRESS: 55 Broadway; Cambridge, MA 02142
SUBJECT: System upgrade for one (1) hybrid electric MV-4 Tow
Tractor
CLASSIFICATION CODE: K - Modification of equipment
SOLICITATION NUMBER: DTRS57-03-Q-80011

CONTACT: Point of contact - Alison Shedd, Contract
Specialist, 617/494-2631

NOTICE TEXT: Department of Transportation, Research and
Special Programs Administration (RSPA), Volpe National
Transportation Systems Center; NA This is a synopsis for
commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as
supplemented with additional information included in this
notice. This procurement is being conducted under Simplified
Acquisitions Procedures (SAP), Far Part 13.5, Commercial
Item Procedures in FAR Part 12, and Contracting by
Negotiation in FAR Part 15. The Volpe National
Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), an agency of
the United States Department of Transportation (DOT),
supports the modal administrations of the DOT through the
conduct of engineering studies and research and development
activities necessary to evaluate and improve transportation
safety and performance. The Volpe Center, Cambridge, MA,
intends to issue on an unrestricted basi s, a competitive
solicitation to obtain a system upgrade for one (1) hybrid
electric MV-4 Tow Tractor. The applicable NAICS code for th

INTERNET ADDRESS:
http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOT/RSPA/VNTSC/DTRS57-03-Q-80011/listing.html
CONTACT: 617-494-2631 Copyright (c) 2002 Federal Information
& News Dispatch, Inc.  INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ISO SUBJECT CODE:  
GVC Copyright © 2002, Commerce Business Daily - FIND, all
rights reserved.
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Electric Bar stools to hot rods)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/scottsdale/articles/1102sr-garage02Z8.html
Bar stools to hot rods
Great vehicles race out of PV resident's garage
By Bob Golfen The Arizona Republic Nov. 2, 2002

SCOTTSDALE - Ever go barstool racing? Originally, this was
when a bunch of car people got together over drinks to brag
(or lie) about racetrack exploits.

But over the years in certain hot-rodding circles, barstool
racing has become literally just that: actual barstools
built up into totally bizarre electric racers. You sit up
high on a barstool mounted on a cart frame, steering wheel
in hand, and zoom around a track against other mischievous
souls. 

They're top-heavy and ridiculous, and onlookers do a
lot more laughing than cheering. "You can't take a ride on
one of these without a smile on your face," said Steve
Bryant, a Paradise Valley resident. A quick spin on a
barstool racer outside Bryant's garage proves the
contention. 

Bryant should know. He has four of them, which
he races and lends to friends to race during parking-lot
challenges at local bars. "It's the only time you can drink
and drive," he said.

Bryant built the barstool racers himself from scratch, which
would be impressive in itself if you hadn't seen all the
other impressive things he has built. Such as the beautiful
red '33 Chevrolet hot rod that's hunkered in his spacious
garage. Or the '56 Chevy Nomad that's nearing completion.

He does everything except the upholstery, Bryant said,
including the welding and metal fabrication, even the
lustrous paint jobs on both cars. Large tool boxes and
equipment standing next to a broad work bench (Bryant built
that, too) attest to his continuous handcrafting. "This is a
working garage," Bryant, 59, said as he patted his
ever-present companion, Sedgewick, an English bulldog. He
and his wife, Cindy, bought their house on a quiet cul de
sac mainly because it had two two-car garages, Cindy said.

They quickly outgrew those and built another, bigger, better
garage in back of their property, completing it four years
ago. This one is 1,200 square feet with 12-foot ceilings, a
lift for raising the cars and rollup doors front and back.
"We had those (extra) doors put on not so much because we
drive through them but for the air flow," Cindy said.

Another good idea was installing an intercom to the house,
she said, because her husband spends so much time in the
garage feeding his obsession.  "That's so I wouldn't have to
keep running out here all the time," she said.

Steve said he has always been a handy guy, good with tools.
That has helped quite a bit in running his business, Shutter
Shaque, he said. He designed and built much of the machinery
the company uses to make custom shutters, he said. Bryant is
an active member of the Over the Hill Gang, a longtime
hot-rod club with members all over the Valley. 

Right now, the club is getting ready to host the annual
Goodguys hot-rod and custom-car show Nov. 16-17 at
WestWorld. That's a huge show put on by a company that
mounts similar events all over the country. Bryant recently
took part in an Over the Hill Gang garage tour in which
members spent the day checking out each other's garages and
projects. It's a great club activity, Bryant said, as well
as a great opportunity to snoop in your buddies' garages. Of
course, everyone gets to snoop in his garage, too.

Bryant's three hot rods (there's a custom '31 Ford in one of
the other garages) show the imagination and handiwork that
has raised hot rodding and custom-car building to
collector-car status at such events as the Barrett-Jackson
Classic Car Auction, which is held every January at
WestWorld.

Hot rods now can be found among the big classic land yachts,
snarly muscle cars and European exotics. Bryant showed how
he had a professional drawing made of his plans for the '56
Nomad before he began the project. One innovation, he said,
was to have larger-diameter wheels and low-profile tires up
front and smaller-diameter wheels with thicker tires in the
back, similar to motorcycle customizing technique. "That's
what hot rods are all about," he said. "You kind of do your
own thing and there's no rule book." Do you have a special
garage, the kind of place that's the envy of your pals? If
so, please write to: In The Garage, The Scottsdale Republic,
16277 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop, Scottsdale, AZ 85230. Or send
e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-




=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Saturn Ion hybrid)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
 informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
 --- {EVangel}
http://www.auto.com/industry/saturn31_20021031.htm
Charged up Ion: New Saturn plugs into trend of easy
personalization  October 31, 2002
BY LAWRENCE ULRICH DETROIT FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

AUSTIN, Texas -- When young drivers slap big wheels, body
kits and assault-weapon audio systems on their rides, they
tend to be Honda Civics or Toyota Celicas -- certainly not
Saturns.

The GM division hopes to change minds and win hearts with
the Saturn Ion, an all-new compact sedan and coupe that's
part of a thorough expansion of the formerly one-note Saturn
lineup.

"The Civic dominates its market, and this is the vehicle
that can finally go head-on with the Honda," Dave Smidebush,
Saturn's director of product development, said at a media
drive through Texas hill country.

The Ion replaces the smaller S-Series, the car that
introduced Saturn to the public in 1990. Already on sale in
sedan trim, the Ion blens the new with the Saturn-familiar.

The familiar includes the Ion's hard-to-dent polymer body
panels. The Quad Coupe model, coming in early 2003,
incorporates Saturn's center-opening rear doors that make it
easy to climb in and out. From the Vue sport-utility, the
Ion gets an electric steering system and, for the Quad
Coupe, an optional continuously variable transmission, both
a boon to fuel economy. And the price -- $12,410 for the
base model Ion 1 with automatic transmission, $14,410 for
the better-equipped Ion 2 -- carries on Saturn's tradition
of no-haggle, low-stress sales.

On the new side, the Ion ditches the S-Series' innocuous
styling for a more contemporary look. Underneath, the Ion is
built on GM's Delta small-car platform, which Saturn claims
is the most structurally rigid platform in its class. That
Delta architecture will underpin a redesigned Chevrolet
Cavalier and the Chevy HHR, the latter a tall-wagon
competitor for the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The Ion is a larger, roomier car than the S-Series, longer
by 10 inches than the current Ford Focus and Honda Civic.
Nearly all that size advantage is given to trunk space,
which tops even some midsize cars at 14.7 cubic feet.

GM's four-cylinder, 2.2-liter Ecotec engine delivers 140
horsepower, and it's stronger and smoother than the engine
it replaces. A five-speed automatic transmission is an
unexpected touch for a budget compact, as are the optional
side-curtain air bags. Standard transmission is a five-speed
manual by Germany's Getrag.

Inside, driver's gauges are mounted in the center, a
somewhat controversial layout also found in the Toyota
Echo.

Now, 12 years old is a fine age for scotch, but not for a
car. With the oldS-Series out of steam in the marketplace --
year-over-year sales were 102,629 through September, down 18
percent from a year ago -- Saturn executives expect the Ion
to reverse the sales slide.

Jill Ljadziak, Saturn vice president of sales, service and
marketing, said that once Saturn lures people into the Ion,
it now has ways to keep them when their tastes and budgets
change: A midsize L-Series, modestly restyled for 2003, and
the Vue, a small sport-utility that's built beside the Ion
in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Conceived as GM's import-fighting division, Saturn still
attracts a different kind of customer, Ljadziak said: Nearly
80 percent of Saturn buyers wouldn't have bought any another
GM product, according to internal research.

Naturally, Saturn continues to bank on its sterling
reputation for customer and dealership service. Since 1992,
when it was first evaluated, Saturn remains the only
non-luxury brand consistently ranked at or near the top of
the J.D. Power and Associates sales satisfaction index.

During a test-drive stop at Southwest Texas State
University, student and Saturn owner Christie McElligott,
21, said her experiences with the S- Series and brand have
been positive.

"Everyone I've ever talked with at Saturn has been really
helpful," McElligott said.

Asked what kind of person buys a Saturn, McElligott laughs
before offering her take: Saturns are "absolutely,
unquestionably a chick car."

Smidebush agrees that Saturns have always drawn a hefty
share of female buyers, though executives believe the Ion
will manage a roughly 50-50 split between men and women. The
Ion is also expected to draw a more-youthful buyer, at an
average age of 39, compared to the average 44-year-old in an
S- Series.

But can the Ion win over the youthful -- and largely male --
do-it-yourselfers who've made a movement out of slammed
Civics and other compacts?

"That's been a virtual monopoly for the Japanese cars, and
it's a huge challenge to cut into that tuner market,"
Smidebush said. And the Ion was designed for quick and easy
personalization.

Jim Hall, vice president of AutoPacific in Southfield, said
Saturn can get a foot in the door with the youth market by
creating desirable accessories and helping aftermarket
suppliers profit from their own gear.

"You have to earn your stripes," Hall said. "If they take a
page out of the Ford Focus model and seed the marketplace,
they can do pretty well with it."

Saturn is already selling quick-changing polymer trim pieces
for the Ion's roof rails, center instrument cluster and
more, in four funky patterns that include a leopard-print
motif.

About a year from now, Saturn will make the point more
emphatically with a tuner coupe Ion with more than 200
horsepower, big wheels and a firmer sport suspension.

Besides performance, Saturn executives said the brand is
also looking at producing a future hybrid, possibly a blend
of gas and electric propulsion similar to the Toyota Prius
and Honda Civic hybrids.

"The Saturn brand is a natural for hybrids," Ljadziak said.
Contact LAWRENCE ULRICH at 313-222-5394 or
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-



=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the EV ascci art above)
=====

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
>I've also been pondering how hard it would be to mount
>plastic wheel well inserts, like they have on newer cars

Chuck, you're in luck! mid-80's Cabriolets have fenderwell liners in front.
They should pretty much be a bolt-up for any Rabbit. Check at your local
wrecking yard.

-S
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I'm also planning on using a data-logging computer, probably the palm.  I'm
going to write my own program though.  I'm converting an 87 vw cabriolet.
I'm in the planning stages and have a shunt wound motor.  
If you can give me some requirements and some sample data I could get an
early start on it.  I've got the developers kit.

Steve Paschke
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

> ----------
> From:         Walker, Lesley R
> Sent:         Monday, November 4, 2002 7:23 PM
> To:   '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> Subject:      RE: EMeter and Palm device
> 
> Rod Hower asked:
> > I'm going to buy a Palm or similar device
> > for logging data from the Emeter.
> > Cost is a factor but not the top one.
> > I want to make sure there is enough memory to record everything.
> > If the consensus is the Palm 105 is enough I'll buy it and be happy.
> > What is the recommendation of the list?
> 
> I have a Palm Vx, which has 8Mb of memory (same amount as the 105).
> It contains, among many other things, the entire Collins English-Italian
> dictionary.  How much data do you want to log?  :-)
> 
> I think the question is really what logging application you would use,
> and is there a limit on how much data that application can store.
> 
> The only EV specific application I know of is EV Dash (there has been a
> URL posted, I'm sorry I don't know what it is but I'm sure you know how
> to search the archives).  I haven't loaded it into my Palm so I don't
> know what it does.
> 
> There may be other non-specific logging applications around.  Places to
> look include http://www.palmgear.com and http://groups.google.com (look
> in comp.sys.palmtops.pilot and related newsgroups).  You might even be
> able to use a simple terminal emulation app, if there is one that does
> text capture.
> 
> One other thing to bear in mind, if you want to do any useful analysis
> of the data you capture, you will probably need to extract it from the
> Palm and dump it into a spreadsheet or a database.  Typically, Palm
> application data is backed up onto a PC when you synchronise it, but the
> copy on the PC is in Palm format.
> 
> I'll be interested to hear how you go with this, as I'm also thinking
> of doing this sort of thing when I get my EV built.
> 
> -- 
> Lesley Walker
> Unix Engineering, EDS New Zealand
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "[Hybrid electric vehicles] are self-sustaining,
> as long as you keep putting gas in the tank."
>      --- James R. Healey, USA Today
> 
> 
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
----- Original Message -----
From: Sharkey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:47 PM
Subject: Re: Newbie question re: Rabbit conversions


> >> Is there a logical successor vehicle to the Rabbit still in production?
> >
> >The Mk1 Golf (Rabbit) is still in production....
> >
> >In South Africa
> >
>
> Yes, and I can think of about 400 guys in a VW forum who would each buy at
> least one if you could get them imported!!!
>
> -S
>
     Yes! That would be nice, for a glider for a NEW EV? That woukld be fun!
More sence than trying to dredge up Renault Dauphines up to convert. Feel
Good Cars, would yu feel good about that? New Rabbits, cut and built up with
battery boxes welded in at the factory? That would be great, for a basic, EV
for the world!

   Why can't yu import VW's from South Africa?

      My two Watts worth

      Bob
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hi EVeryone,

Quick question,

I am a large individual (over 300 lbs).  While I am doing my best to remedy
this, I would still like to play around with a little electric scooter.  My
wife kinda likes the idea too.  So what electric scooters are out there (or
are there any) that can give a 315 lb person a fair range (say 8-10 miles).

Or am I just dreaming or going to have to build it myself?

Thanks..

James

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
On 5 Nov 2002 at 11:35, Bob Rice wrote:

> Why can't yu import VW's from South Africa?

You'd have to find out first if they met US safety standards.  They would 
most likely be based on the old European Golf I, which would probably not.  
Given the quantity we'd want to import, it wouldn't be economically feasible 
for VW to modify them.

I think an individual could import one for his own use, provided it came 
without running gear (so no concerns over emissions standards).  However, as 
I understand it, the person who brought the car into the US would never be 
allowed to resell it.  I don't know who actually polices this regulation, 
though.

VW also seem to have a less than enthusiastic attitude toward EVs these 
days.  I read that the original plan for the new Beetle, when it was just a 
concept car, was to offer hybrid and/or pure electric options.  That talk 
stopped rather suddenly when it came time to put it into serial production.  
And, oddly, their recent super high efficiency prototype car (tandem 
seating) was a "mild hybrid" (IMA) design, but their news releases and 
literature went to great lengths to downplay that fact.


= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Want to unsubscribe, stop the EV list mail while you're on vacation, or
switch to digest mode?  See http://www.evdl.org/help/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 
David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
1974 Avco New Idea rider 36vdc
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Thou shalt not send me any thing which says unto thee, "send this to all
thou knowest."  Neither shalt thou send me any spam, lest I smite thee.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
If true I want some for my next pack.  Lawrence Rhodes..
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce EVangel Parmenter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 11:51 PM
Subject: EVLN(Bridgestone's li-ion additive doubles battery capacity)


> EVLN(Bridgestone's li-ion additive doubles battery capacity)
> [The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
>  informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
>  --- {EVangel}
> http://asia.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/11/04/japan.bridgestone/index.html
> Bridgestone soars on battery prospect
> Tuesday, November 5, 2002 Posted: 11:20 AM HKT (0320 GMT)
> 
> TOKYO, Japan -- Bridgestone Corp. has developed a way of
> doubling how long an electric car's battery can run,
> according to a report.
> 
> Bridgestone's invention is an additive that goes in a
> battery's electrolyte solution, making lithium-ion batteries
> noncombustible, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
> 
> Lithium-ion batteries can hold twice as much electricity as
> a conventional nickel- hydrogen battery. But they catch fire
> at high temperatures because they are made of phosphorus and
> nitrogen.
> 
> That means they have been restricted to smaller
> applications, such as in mobile phones. But Bridgestone's
> additive will let carmakers use the batteries in electric
> cars.
> 
> A 400 kilometer ride
> The new battery would double the distance a car could run on
> a single charge, to around 400 kilometers (250 miles). The
> company said there is no loss of the battery's power storage
> using the additive.
> 
> According to the Nikkei, the additive would also make it
> around 20 percent cheaper to make lithium-ion batteries for
> mobile phones and personal computers. Those devices
> currently require a device to stop the batteries
> combusting.
> 
> The Tokyo-based tire maker plans to start selling the
> battery in test markets in 2003. It projects that half of
> the battery makers in Japan would begin using the additive.
> 
> That would boost the lithium-ion battery market from around
> 300 billion yen ($2.5 billion) in 2000 to 1.6 trillion yen
> ($13.1 billion) by 2010.
> -
> 
> 
> 
> =====
> ' ____
> ~/__|o\__
> '@----- @'---(=
> . http://geocities.com/brucedp/
> . EV List Editor & RE newswires
> . (originator of the EV ascci art above)
> =====
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
> http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
> 
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Rod Hower wrote:
> 
> http://www.ixys.com/l520.pdf
> 
> This would be a nice module for an AC power golfcart.
> 350A, 75V 3-phase Trench MOSFET.
Or a 42 volt Ima starter alternator... 

Not a really powerfull EV.
-- 
Rich Rudman
Manzanita Micro
www.manzanitamicro.com
1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
That depends on what you install it on.
I bet it would make a pretty scary mini bike from hell!
Rod


Rod Hower wrote:
>
> http://www.ixys.com/l520.pdf
>
> This would be a nice module for an AC power golfcart.
> 350A, 75V 3-phase Trench MOSFET.
Or a 42 volt Ima starter alternator...

Not a really powerfull EV.
--
Rich Rudman
Manzanita Micro
www.manzanitamicro.com
1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266




--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the reply.

One of the other replies suggested removing a cover on the side of the 
plastic box, but I don't see such a cover when I look. Maybe they
are thinking of a different model/year VW?

I removed the gutter-like tray, and stuck my hand into the intake
port, and can feel the fan blades. If I remove the bolts, will
it be difficult to re-install the box? Do I need to remove other
parts of the dash to get the box out?

Thanks for the advice. I don't want to do any more evasive
surgery than necessary.

...Ken Sell
   [EMAIL PROTECTED]


-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Rice [mailto:bobrice@;snet.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 6:05 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: VW Rabbit heater core


 Hi Ken;

   Very easy. The core is up under the dash, with the fan, in a large
plastic box. To drop it down, there are 4 bolts under the hood, in that
gutter-like tray. You will hafta remove that plastic trey, thing in the
center, it lifts out. You will see the 4 bolt heads around the motor and
intake port there. Undo these and it will drop down, inside the car. To
remove you will need to unhook the motor leads, and the heater/defrost
cables. It's a #$%^ pain to get out, but it will come out. The heater core
is in there, you can't miss it.

    I put two house heater ceramic cores, side by side. Works great, uses 20
amps, not bad. I did one year without heat, never again! Hooked it up to the
fan control, put the fan on and the heater relay comes on. Car warm in a few
minutes. Had problems with arcing of the relay contacts, but a capaciter
took care of that, across the points.

    Warm thoughts

     Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Sell, Ken <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2002 3:45 PM
Subject: VW Rabbit heater core


> Hi,
>
> A very easy question.
>
> Where is the heater core located on a 1984 VW Rabbit?
>
> My conversion doesn't have heat, so I am planning on
> replacing the old core with a ceramic heating element.
>
> Thanks,
>
> .....Ken
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Lawrence Rhodes wrote:
> 
> This is from 1998.  We have seen most of this come to pass.  Lawrence
> Rhodes...
> Fast Charge Anyone?
> Need a quick recharge of your electric vehicle? This 50kW inductive charger
> is built to recharge an EV up to 80% state-of-charge (SOC) in just 15
> minutes. The charger has a built-in credit card reader like a moden gas
> pump, except this one dispenses electricity safely and without the smell and
> toxic fumes of petroleum.
> Also on display at NAEVI '98 were several conductive fast chargers which are
> also capable of recharging a vehicle under 20 minutes depending on the
> vehicle's SOC.
> 
> Interestingly, the most promising new market for these Level III chargers is
> in the off-road EV market of industrial fork lifts and airport ground
> service equipment. Fast charging can eliminate the need for extra sets of
> batteries and the cumbersome process of swapping heavy batteries at shift
> changes. Paradoxically, fast charging also seems to increase the service
> life of lead acid batteries. (Go directly to the source)
> http://evworld.com/archives/conferences/naevi98/naevi98-photo.html
Like Duhh!!!
The Faster the better.
        That's why we are doing PFC50s and looking at stacking and 3 phase
versions. Once you get it, You can't get enough!!
-- 
Rich Rudman
Manzanita Micro
www.manzanitamicro.com
1-360-297-7383,Cell 1-360-620-6266
--- End Message ---

Reply via email to