tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336913818563657656.post7370902785912593637..comments2014-05-26T16:36:24.896-04:00Comments on Coupe de Volt: The ConceptGregesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17527107787309333547noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336913818563657656.post-79027973059616324872009-04-12T21:47:00.000-04:002009-04-12T21:47:00.000-04:00Hi Greg! - I like what you’re thinking! This is ve...Hi Greg! - I like what you’re thinking! This is very exciting. I agree with your mission, convert cars, save the world. Admittedly, I've chosen an easier route. We bought a 2004 Prius (slightly used fleet vehicle). This avoided the premium of the new car, while still in my mind putting us on a path to start saving the world. (I know, it really only solves some of the problems, but still the right direction. Gas-electric hybrid, lots of systems, lots of parts. Fortunately, we've experience great Toyota quality).<BR/><BR/>Anyway, converting a car is a cool idea. In my years as a bicycle mechanic, I always got great satisfaction from converting bikes from one form to another. This is how mountain bikes got their start. Initially, high end racing components (Campagnolo) were retrofitted on custom bike frames, made by a few niche frame builders (Fisher). The first mtn. bikes were $2000-3000! Low volume, high labor, great bikes, but too expensive for the average user. Now look what we’ve got today, mass production mountain bikes have taken the bicycle industry by storm, they are the bike of choice by a long shot. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this same kind of early adopter enthusiasm catches on in the EV world? Yeah! <BR/><BR/>So, the specs look great. I admit, I’m not really an expert on this (remember, I took the easy way out!). But your reasoning seems sound. As a commuter with similar requirements, I’d use the same criteria you did. I especially agree with the AC choice, seems like a better long term solution. The notion of regenerative brakes just seems such a win, Newton would be proud. As far as budget goes, seems reasonable. You know that you’re time will be a big part of this effort, but that where passion comes in. And it looks like you’ve got that too!<BR/><BR/>Good luck!Marc C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13072445870659968969noreply@blogger.com