Like last year, a good turn up and assortment of EV eye-candy was to be had for one and all and the Thunderskys are holding out well as expected with few reports of any issues with them in performance, range or charging. Some guys from my R&D group turned up, some friends from the ham radio club, plus the usual media parades and wannabe media parades as the cameras clicked and rolled while the EVs rolled out for a spin.
Nathan's Sparky, smart as ever.
Many came to ask lots of questions, excited after reading the news about the long distance Tesla run on a single charge, (see http://blog.internode.on.net/2009/10/28/we-did-i/).
Notable technology changes this year since last? Nope; but then we all know that an EV can be built from stuff that’s been around for decades. Of course there’s always new battery developments happening, and this really helps the EV cause. Despite some more AC conversions whizzing about, DC is still popular due to availability and cost. This will change over time. I’ve put up some photos in this post below (hi-res ones to come later).
Silicon Chip Magazine did not turn up this year, nor did Better Place (I think Better Place prefer paid venues, i.e., venues where they get paid to talk, represent themselves and goad a dollar or two from the idle rich noblesse oblige).
Some folks were seeking funds and their stands promised a lot. Indeed, good things come to those who dream and then act on those dreams, and the GOY CT Electric Super Car may be a reality in a few years (http://www.goy.com.au). This is a local Sydney start-up that’s looking for a bit of venture cap cranking to get into full production. Naturally, like the Tesla, the big boys in Fat City will have the checkered flag waved at them for a look-in, but GOY’s long term plans are to get more conventional low cost, yet high performance cars out there for the masses. Their logo is curious; a bit like an Alfa Romeo logo so I hope the Family don’t get too upset. Although they seem to have a fair bit of backing (and some talented CAD designers), it’s early days yet. The nice thing about them is that they pride themselves on being a ’social company’ and pledge that after paying their staff et al, remaining profits go into charity. Now that’s R&D with a conscience -and certainly a heart in a better place.
I got a brochure on ZAPI speed controllers (http://www.zapiweb.com), just in case I upgrade the Curtis down the track. Apparently there’s an 800A DC version with built-in regenerative circuit. More on this in a later post.
Also peddling their wares were BMI-LiFeTech Australia, promoting the ‘original and best’ lithium ion phosphate batteries from Europe. It was a little unsettling to hear them lambaste the Chinese for copying all of their technology (including ThunderSky) but then it’s easy to step on toes in this game. BMI cells are interesting; individual phosphate batteries are bricked together, rather like Lego, and configured in any number of battery pack shapes and sizes. A dud cell can mean a low-cost replacement as the packs are easy to disassemble. There was even a single 144vDC battery block not much bigger than a slab of beer. A discreet battery monitoring and management setup is also available with computer interface to see how they’re behaving. More here, http://www.lithbattoz.com.au.
Here are some photos of the field day. I’ll put up a high-res link to the rest of the shots I took as soon as possible.
Kieran's Capri, lookin' sexy.
Note the Airpax breaker mounted in correct orientation.
A Foton taxi for downtown Chinatown.
Hybrid bodywork shows rear Mitsubishi Magna half, used as battery tray canopy.
Utility battery rear canopy. Needs wide pinstriping to make it more seamless.
Australian design concept EV to be built in Sydney.
LifeTech lithium battery packs; similar to ThunderSky but European pricing.
LifeTech battery management and PC set-up.
No gas pump hoses allowed!
Zilla's back in production - yay!
Clockwork Orange vehicle, but at $5.00 a glass it's not very fuel-efficient.
Be seeing you!
A Cloudy Future
I left the event a bit early after getting tired from waggling ragchew with those interested in converting their cars. Curiously, a friend called me later to say the rain clouds came and the place was a washout. This is his report,
“Hey Carmel, thanks for your help. The storm clouds closed in as a few venture caps dudes managed to roll up again this year to present the same promises they had last year; and a few politicians also turned up, hoping to win a seat (and a pension and/or plush diplomatic post therafter) as they talked up big funding for EVs -but their brief cases were empty; whatzatellya? Despite the weather, some of these guys managed a smile or two. Here’s a photo of them for your blog…
Happy smiling Wraith people.
…Regards, Rod.”
