KarenRei
02-10-2008, 09:57 PM
Check out Zenn's website:
http://www.zenncars.com/
Click "Learn", then "Company", then "EEstor". Scroll to "Licensing Agreement Details", then read paragraph 2, concerning what ZENN has licensed with EEStor for:
"All-electric, 4-wheeled personal transportation uses for vehicles with a curb weight of up to 1,400 kilograms, net of the battery weight, and for golf carts and similar-styled utility vehicle, and the aftermarket conversion of any internal combustion passenger vehicle to electric drive."
May I observe:
* The Aptera has only three wheels
* The plug-in version isn't "all electric"
* The Aptera isn't a golf cart
* The Aptera isn't styled like a golf cart
* The Aptera isn't an aftermarket conversion of an internal combustion passenger vehicle
In short, ZENN's license agreement *doesn't cover the Aptera*. So, if the EESU proves itself legit, which should be in the first half of this year, *Aptera is free to buy directly from them*. And, as Lockheed-Martin observed about EEStor:
http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/10/lockheed-martin-signs-agreement-with-eestor/
"We were very impressed. They are taking an approach that lends itself to a very quick ramp-up in production."
To top it all off, the ZENN site says this about the 52 kWh EESU:
4541 cubic inches volume
If that were a cube, that'd be 16 inches per side. You know, that seems likely to be small enough to fit in the Aptera's battery compartment in the front without any modifications. So, so sum up: there is a fair chance that we'll see something:
* Come out six months or so before Aptera goes into production
* The same module that they're building for ZENN could likely fit where Aptera's batteries go
* Would be marketable to Aptera right off the bat
* Would cost a mere $3,200, which is undoubtably notably cheaper than their existing batteries.
* Would give the Typ-1e a ~5 minute charge time (provided sufficient power) and a >600 mile range, with no risk for degradation, fire, no power leakage, etc.
The only downside I can see:
* Operates at 3500 volts, so would likely require a change in electric motors and various other electronics.
Lets all keep a serious eye on EEStor, shall we? While it seems a longshot, I'd say it's possible it could end up in an Aptera before too long. Mayhaps even before any of us get our vehicles.
http://www.zenncars.com/
Click "Learn", then "Company", then "EEstor". Scroll to "Licensing Agreement Details", then read paragraph 2, concerning what ZENN has licensed with EEStor for:
"All-electric, 4-wheeled personal transportation uses for vehicles with a curb weight of up to 1,400 kilograms, net of the battery weight, and for golf carts and similar-styled utility vehicle, and the aftermarket conversion of any internal combustion passenger vehicle to electric drive."
May I observe:
* The Aptera has only three wheels
* The plug-in version isn't "all electric"
* The Aptera isn't a golf cart
* The Aptera isn't styled like a golf cart
* The Aptera isn't an aftermarket conversion of an internal combustion passenger vehicle
In short, ZENN's license agreement *doesn't cover the Aptera*. So, if the EESU proves itself legit, which should be in the first half of this year, *Aptera is free to buy directly from them*. And, as Lockheed-Martin observed about EEStor:
http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/10/lockheed-martin-signs-agreement-with-eestor/
"We were very impressed. They are taking an approach that lends itself to a very quick ramp-up in production."
To top it all off, the ZENN site says this about the 52 kWh EESU:
4541 cubic inches volume
If that were a cube, that'd be 16 inches per side. You know, that seems likely to be small enough to fit in the Aptera's battery compartment in the front without any modifications. So, so sum up: there is a fair chance that we'll see something:
* Come out six months or so before Aptera goes into production
* The same module that they're building for ZENN could likely fit where Aptera's batteries go
* Would be marketable to Aptera right off the bat
* Would cost a mere $3,200, which is undoubtably notably cheaper than their existing batteries.
* Would give the Typ-1e a ~5 minute charge time (provided sufficient power) and a >600 mile range, with no risk for degradation, fire, no power leakage, etc.
The only downside I can see:
* Operates at 3500 volts, so would likely require a change in electric motors and various other electronics.
Lets all keep a serious eye on EEStor, shall we? While it seems a longshot, I'd say it's possible it could end up in an Aptera before too long. Mayhaps even before any of us get our vehicles.