Comments on: Th!ink EV Finds a Sugar Daddy for US, European Expansion

By: Steven Lang

Steven Lang — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:44:23 +0000

We had these vehicles at Emory University. They were absolutely wretched and were really worthless for anything but very slow in-town commuting. You would be far better off getting a golf kart or a maxiscoot than using one of these.

By: Steve_K

Steve_K — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:22:47 +0000

I am assuming that the generator could be connected to the charging port of the car without modifying any original equipment, which may not be possible. My idea for charging is very simple too; such as when the “please charge me” light comes on, start and run the generator for 20 minutes. The simple machine is better, as long as it works.

By: geoff03

geoff03 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:58:53 +0000

Buying a bunch of parts and bolting them together is simple. Designing the software and control systems to handle charging, discharging, motor speed, etc. is the hard part, which is why GM made a deal with Toyota to take a peek at their control software.

By: Steve_K

Steve_K — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:51:26 +0000

I wonder how tough it would be for a gearhead to make one of these into a Chevy Volt? For example, go to Lowe’s and pick up an 8KW generator with electric start, install generator and the charger into the trunk. Then make up a little circuit to start/stop the generator when needed. Add a fuel gauge to the dash and go. Sounds like a good college project eh?

By: guyincognito

guyincognito — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:19:13 +0000

I hope their car’s bodies will be made of more than single ply plastic this time. Damn it was scary to drive those things.