on wheelsbare frame with suspensionfront, similar to racing suspensionwhat happens in a turn
OwnerPhil Chipman - Chipman Engineering
LocationCosta Mesa, California US map
Email email image
Vehicle2008 prototype
three wheeled motorcycle - two wheels in front, two seater, side-by-side
MotorBriggs and Stratton E-tek
Drivetrainelectric motor, direct drive, chain
ControllerAlltrax 4834
Batteries4 Interstate srm 24, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerZivan
tailored for 48 volts and Interstate srm-24 batteries
Heaternone
DC/DC Converter
no converter
InstrumentationCycle Analyst
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
have had it up to 40, but not licensed yet, so have not tried to go faster. Runs 63 mph on stand.
Accelerationgood with just driver, bogs down with passenger - but still easy to accelerate to 30
Rangehaven't tested range yet
Watt Hours/Mile73 Wh/Mile
EV Miles
Current:2 Miles (3 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight430 Pounds (195 Kilograms)
Designed to be as light as possible - chrome moly tubing. Batteries double the weight of the vehicle. As a prototype, trying to keep all weight and cost as low as possible.
TiresATV sand tires on front, street front tire on rear
Conversion TimeStarted from scratch June of 2007, pictures were taken December 2008
Conversion Costapprox. $4000 at present, am adding a body in 2009
Additional FeaturesRoll bar, low cg, wide front end, all controls - brakes, twist grip, lights, turn signals on handlebars. Accommodates over six foot driver/passenger. Hydraulic disk brakes front and rear.
How to help stop global warming, eliminate the use of gas and how light could I make a two passenger vehicle that was fast and fun and practical to drive. Having raced go-karts and owned motorcycles for years I wanted to experience the same thrill at the minimum weight possible, yet have a two seat vehicle that was practical and safe for the street. I could not find plans for such a vehicle - so decided to design and build my own. The thinking is to not think "car" since the weight will easily triple with "car" type parts - brakes, suspension, etc. all designed for two to four ton vehicles. If I thought bicycle, motorcycle, ATV, then a whole world of parts and light design principles could be employed. With my background in aero engineering, I decided to use 1940's type aircraft structure principles - using 1 inch and 3/4 inch thin wall chrome moly tubing, gas welded throughout. The result is a prototype vehicle you see here. The body is next - and will fulfill the need for minimizing the aerodynamic drag. Future upgrades will be lithium batteries, higher voltage, larger motor - but for now, the goal was to test the viability of the total concept with all components being inexpensive, easily available, reliable and time tested.

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