Boxerworks.com

The Veg wrote:I'd like to build an electric Lotus Seven. YEEEEEEEEEEEHAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/re ... orts-cars/

REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars?


Posted Oct 21st 2009 7:00PM
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Caterham R500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The same things that makes the cars from British boutique automaker Caterham sporty and fun to drive could also potentially make them excellent choices for alternative powertrains. There's plenty of available real estate under the hood, a simple rear-wheel drive chassis and, above all else, a distinct absence of weight.

As such, it's not surprising to hear that Caterham is looking into both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. According to Autocar, Caterham chief Ansar Ali said at the Tokyo Motor Show that his company would unveil an eco-friendly prototype before the end of the year. Both the hybrid and electric powertrains will be sourced from unnamed manufacturers.

Further, Caterham is planning a one-make race series in 2011 to show off its new green sportscar, which may well be followed up in 2012 with a production model if sufficient demand is found. Performance will reportedly to be just as sprightly in EV form as it is with the firm's normal gasoline-fed engines.

The Caterham is nice if you want to spend big bucks, but as I don't have that kind of dosh (and because I like to tinker) I really would rather build it myself. The Seven, thank goodness, is about as open-source as sports cars get, owing to the endless array of repli-kits that have been available through the years. The 'LoCost' car, as originally envisioned in Ron Champion's book, can be built for under $10K and each builder can do things their own way and come up with something truly unique. If I built an electric one I wouldn't be the first. I've also seen Seven replicas powered by everything from Suzuki Hyabusa engines to GM V8s. Many US builders favour Mazda MX5 running-bits.

Of course I'd rather get another bike than build a car...but if I could do both I would!

Electric Westfield at the Top Gear track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loSHAnfykpg

I want to tinker with conversions, too. Like this:

http://www.evalbum.com/194

This is the one I like .




http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/te ... ts-for-be/