Oops! Totally missed that post. I have been pretty sick since Thursday though. >_>
It's got a motor at each wheel, gullwing doors, makes a Fisker look like an AMC Pacer, and can go from stationary to 60 MPH as fast as a GT-R. It's powered by something similar to a fuel cell that uses salt water as an electrolyte. And now it's legal to drive on European roads.
It's using a motor per wheel to give it AWD with torque vectoring, and each of those motors makes 227 HP, giving a theoretical total of 908 HP.
The peak torque numbers are allowed to remain absolutely bonkers, at 2138 lb-ft PER WHEEL. Which means 8,552 lb-ft total. Just what you need to reverse the rotation of the earth so you can go back in time like Superman did in that movie. Because that's how time works.
These numbers are impressive, but the part of this car that could actually prove genuinely important is the use of what's called a flow battery. Flow batteries, specifically the redox-type, were patented by NASA in 1976.
More specifically, the Quant uses a nano-network flow battery, which is why the company is called nanoFLOWCELL.
This type of flow battery uses a
... lithium-sulfur chemistry arranged in a network of nanoparticles. The network eliminates the requirement that charge moves in and out of particles that are in direct contact with a conducting plate. Instead, the nanoparticle network allows electricity to flow throughout the liquid. This allows more energy to be extracted.[1]
The energy density of the battery is enough that the Quant is claimed to have a range of 200-300 miles or so. And, perhaps even better than range, unlike traditional chemical batteries, to recharge the battery, you only need to replenish the electrolyte, which, in this case, is just salt water. The size of the electrolyte tanks affects the overall range, and refilling them should be a quick and easy process akin to fueling up a conventional gasoline car.
It's using a motor per wheel to give it AWD with torque vectoring
Some back of envelope calculations reveal Tesla uses ~30hp to cruise at ~70mph. I think even a 500cc engine would be sufficient to recharge the battery and power the car.
Whats the scoop on the Tesla D? Any recent news from Rimac?
Just like the Rimac. Why do these cars bother with turning the front wheels for steering the car? With individual motors, creating a speed difference at each wheel will be enough to steer the car. Essentially can be programmed to under/oversteer, have limited slip, pivot .etc.
Wish I could rent an EV around here. Looks like Hertz offers them but not in my area.
Just like the Rimac. Why do these cars bother with turning the front wheels for steering the car? With individual motors, creating a speed difference at each wheel will be enough to steer the car. Essentially can be programmed to under/oversteer, have limited slip, pivot .etc.
Just like the Rimac. Why do these cars bother with turning the front wheels for steering the car? With individual motors, creating a speed difference at each wheel will be enough to steer the car. Essentially can be programmed to under/oversteer, have limited slip, pivot .etc.
Are you kidding? You're suggesting tank-steering a car. The tires would be scrubbing, or sliding sideways, to do anything. Parking would be nearly impossible. Tight turns would be smoke shows. Variances in grip between wheels/tires would lead to dangerous instabilities. Should I continue?
Are you kidding? You're suggesting tank-steering a car. The tires would be scrubbing, or sliding sideways, to do anything. Parking would be nearly impossible. Tight turns would be smoke shows. Variances in grip between wheels/tires would lead to dangerous instabilities. Should I continue?
I rented a Leaf with RelayRides. It went fine. Search for the model you are interested in.
Nothing near me. I've only seen 2 leafs and 1 Miev around here. There still pretty rare.
Are you kidding? You're suggesting tank-steering a car. The tires would be scrubbing, or sliding sideways, to do anything. Parking would be nearly impossible. Tight turns would be smoke shows. Variances in grip between wheels/tires would lead to dangerous instabilities. Should I continue?
Can you imagine if you had a single motor failure while you were driving on the highway? D:
The brakes bring big news, too. Rather than use a vacuum brake booster, Tesla uses an electromechanical brake setup. The feeling under your foot comes from the resistance of a spring and an electric motor. Tesla VP of vehicle engineering Chris Porrit says it's like a steering rack on its side. The Porsche 918 is the only other production car using this system. The arrangement gives Tesla great flexibility with the automatic brakes in autopilot mode. The car can call for high-g braking in panic stops or gentle, chauffeur-style slowdowns. Concerned about brake feel? Tesla can tune it.
These EV leases are out of control.
Check these:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/4703853840.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/4689673231.html
Two different dealers offering under $80/month for the Fiat 500e - I'm seeing these cars all over the place so I know they're selling tons of them. When I looked a couple months ago they had $199/month with no fees or down payment (after the govt rebates).
Thank you very much tweakmonkey, you saved me a nice chunk of cash. All the EV, I was looking at (Energi, Volt, Leaf,Spark, Kia Soul EV) was between 200-300. I gave up on trying to score a very cheap lease and was going to settle with the Kia Soul EV. But I contacted the above dealers and got a nice 2 year lease (90 a month (with taxes)/2 year/20k miles, 1000 drive off). Note: one of the dealers above has a 999 down but drive off is around 2000, so make sure to check both and other dealerships if you are interested.
http://imgur.com/svKAHpe - Exactly what I need for my 6 mile commute to work.
Thank you very much tweakmonkey, you saved me a nice chunk of cash. All the EV, I was looking at (Energi, Volt, Leaf,Spark, Kia Soul EV) was between 200-300. I gave up on trying to score a very cheap lease and was going to settle with the Kia Soul EV. But I contacted the above dealers and got a nice 2 year lease (90 a month (with taxes)/2 year/20k miles, 1000 drive off). Note: one of the dealers above has a 999 down but drive off is around 2000, so make sure to check both and other dealerships if you are interested.
http://imgur.com/svKAHpe - Exactly what I need for my 6 mile commute to work.
Awesome! Glad to help. Was it Livermore or Fremont you went to? I don't know the Livermore guys but test drove one at Fremont. Either way, congrats. Sweet car for the money!
It was Fiat Dublin, Fiat Fremont wanted $2300 drive off, Dublin was fine with $1000. I test drove the 500e at a local dealership and then just arranged everything by text with Fiat Dublin. Thanks again.
Damn, I'm tempted to get one purely for commuting purposes. I spend over $100 a month just in gas. With my free charging at work, it has the range for me to never charge at home.
Doesn't that mean you'd essentially be driving a brand new car and have HOV access, no maintenance and all the bells and whistles that come with it for only about $1/day? plus insurance. I can't imagine why you wouldn't do this.