Coda EV with low battery limp stages

[SlowSRT4]

Seems like an interesting approach.


http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/coda-shares-low-life-battery-plan/

[SEGsby]

Segways have had a staged-operation to discharge scheme implemented since the first model, 8 years ago... With force-feedback (platform shake / growl).

Putting a small vibrational motor in the driver's chair (or re-purposing / programming one that may already be there), would be an effective way to alert the EV Driver.

[PatQ562]

Any respectable EV will have a "gas gauge" that uses charge and discharge currents and battery voltage to show remaining power, and ideally, remaining range "if you keep driving like you have been". This is of course one of the many complex details to get sorted out with the actual battery chosen for the vehicle. Drivers should never be taken by surprise, but battery conditions do change over time.

The EV1 had such a range prediction, and you could "gain gas" by driving very conservatively and watching your range increase. Towards the end of my lease, my EV1 started to go into limp-home mode unexpectedly with 8-10 miles of predicted range left, and it was not well graduated - the power loss was extreme. This was one of the reasons I let it go back a month early. Anyway, this is an area where clever programming can improve usability.

This, along with a host of other modern conveniences, starting with air-bag deployment programming, traction control, anti-skid braking, and cabin comfort management, is why a "real car" does take a lot of time to design.

Pat Q

[SEGsby]

I guess it's just me? But when I see a Petrol Pump Icon on the dashboard of an all electric vehicle-- it DRIVES ME NUTS! Even if the pump handle is turned into an electric plug, which I've seen a number of already.

Understandably, we're still in a transition stage between EV's and ICE design and thinking. But man... Why can't designers just put a cool logo for ELECTRONS on the range meter, instead of an outdated paradigm for liquid, oil based fuel?

If one animated such an icon for a display, the graphic could become the gauge itself, with less electrons spinning around as the battery depletes. A full charge could be shown as a solid Blue ring. When the vehicle enters a staged power reduction mode, the animation would play slower or change color (probably to unhappy warm colors, like Orange to Red). Simple and intuitive at a glance.

Its just much more accurate and conceptually true to what you're using / doing while driving, IMHO.

Sorry, I just had to get that out...

Happy Holidays, everyone.