Comments on: The Wind Car – Episode 7 of 6 http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/ Life post oil and post carbon Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:55:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-8767 Eli Green Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:18:13 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-8767 I like it in white. That's pretty sweet. I like it in white. That’s pretty sweet.

]]> By: Aaron http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-8766 Aaron Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:10 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-8766 My vote's on the tractor! Bike schmike! TRACTOR! http://www.zoomilife.com/2009/06/26/the-wind-power-car-lives-breathes-and-burns-rubber/ My vote’s on the tractor! Bike schmike! TRACTOR!

http://www.zoomilife.com/2009/06/26/the-wind-power-car-lives-breathes-and-burns-rubber/

]]> By: dale http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-7572 dale Tue, 26 May 2009 08:17:31 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-7572 Hi Eli, it's definitely something that we hold as a possibility, more likely for the making of demonstrator models and stuff than full on production. But the more we do on this one car the more likely it looks like we'll make some more. And a tractor and bike I hope. Cheers. Hi Eli, it’s definitely something that we hold as a possibility, more likely for the making of demonstrator models and stuff than full on production. But the more we do on this one car the more likely it looks like we’ll make some more. And a tractor and bike I hope.

Cheers.

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-6440 Eli Green Tue, 05 May 2009 19:24:58 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-6440 Dale, Thanks for taking the time to let us know what the situation is regarding the ––– still unnamed car. Still hoping for Blade :). I'm sure you know Eric and I were more debating the "production and selling" sense than the "making a point" sense. So, based on what you've said in reply to our debate, have you considered the possibility of an eco-auto branch of Ecotricity? It's not like I expect to see any of it end up here in Canada any time soon (as cool as that would be), but it would be interesting. Dale,

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what the situation is regarding the ––– still unnamed car. Still hoping for Blade :) .

I’m sure you know Eric and I were more debating the “production and selling” sense than the “making a point” sense. So, based on what you’ve said in reply to our debate, have you considered the possibility of an eco-auto branch of Ecotricity?

It’s not like I expect to see any of it end up here in Canada any time soon (as cool as that would be), but it would be interesting.

]]> By: dale http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-6417 dale Tue, 05 May 2009 08:51:02 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-6417 Hi Guys, just to clarify on this one point. The car is meant to be a demonstration of what can be done with technology available today - ie stuff that doesn't need inventing for the next decade. Since we started the world of EV's has really got fired up and all the big car makers are talking about making them now it seems. Good stuff but still it's just talk. There's a big job to be done getting Joe public thinking about transport in the future and what he/she might be driving. And there's a mindset change that needs to come with that, especially with regards range. And we need to close the loop with regards fuel thoughts. Electricity is a medium, not a fuel source, hence our focus on the wind powered car concept. And the Hydrogen Economy (oxymoron IMO) is not a dead idea yet... The plan has always been to use this car to turn heads and minds - it's aimed squarely at the 'Top Gear' audience, no apologies for that. And a limited edition run of these cars has always been something we hoped might follow. So it's not just for me, in any sense. Cheers. Hi Guys, just to clarify on this one point. The car is meant to be a demonstration of what can be done with technology available today – ie stuff that doesn’t need inventing for the next decade. Since we started the world of EV’s has really got fired up and all the big car makers are talking about making them now it seems. Good stuff but still it’s just talk. There’s a big job to be done getting Joe public thinking about transport in the future and what he/she might be driving. And there’s a mindset change that needs to come with that, especially with regards range. And we need to close the loop with regards fuel thoughts. Electricity is a medium, not a fuel source, hence our focus on the wind powered car concept. And the Hydrogen Economy (oxymoron IMO) is not a dead idea yet…

The plan has always been to use this car to turn heads and minds – it’s aimed squarely at the ‘Top Gear’ audience, no apologies for that. And a limited edition run of these cars has always been something we hoped might follow. So it’s not just for me, in any sense.

Cheers.

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5892 Eli Green Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:28:07 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5892 I suppose we'll have to see. If it is just for him, it is a bit wasteful. But there must be a reason he would have a car specially designed from scratch. To have one specially designed just for yourself, when there are others available around the same time, and likely for a far lower price, makes little to no sense to me. And it is a big waste of money. I suppose we’ll have to see.

If it is just for him, it is a bit wasteful. But there must be a reason he would have a car specially designed from scratch. To have one specially designed just for yourself, when there are others available around the same time, and likely for a far lower price, makes little to no sense to me. And it is a big waste of money.

]]> By: Eric http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5859 Eric Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:11:49 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5859 If it is for production that's fine, but I was under the impression that it was just his personal car end of story. If this is the case, it is rather a waste. But if it is for production, then I am all for it. If it is for production that’s fine, but I was under the impression that it was just his personal car end of story. If this is the case, it is rather a waste. But if it is for production, then I am all for it.

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5841 Eli Green Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:08:14 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5841 I think your point would make more sense, to me at least, if it wasn't for the fact that, either way, new materials are being used. It's not like Tesla is ripping apart old Elises and putting their own parts in to create Roadsters. Everything is new. Also, they're working on a new model too, the S. I don't think they should stop completing the design and production just because the S doesn't fully exist as an available model yet. I hope you're understanding my point. Not trying to start up anything. I just don't think that the existence of one new technology should negate or disallow the attempt to create another, be it similar or extremely different. Finally, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this, isn't this car being designed from scratch for eventual mass production? I think your point would make more sense, to me at least, if it wasn’t for the fact that, either way, new materials are being used. It’s not like Tesla is ripping apart old Elises and putting their own parts in to create Roadsters. Everything is new. Also, they’re working on a new model too, the S. I don’t think they should stop completing the design and production just because the S doesn’t fully exist as an available model yet.

I hope you’re understanding my point. Not trying to start up anything. I just don’t think that the existence of one new technology should negate or disallow the attempt to create another, be it similar or extremely different.

Finally, and someone please correct me if I’m wrong on this, isn’t this car being designed from scratch for eventual mass production?

]]> By: Eric http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5806 Eric Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:51:27 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5806 My point is that building a car from scratch to do something that is already achievable is less efficient and thus less environmentally friendly. I am sure for the money it is costing to build this wind car he could have bought a Tesla, which seems to have more impressive specs anyways. What is cool about being wasteful? My point is that building a car from scratch to do something that is already achievable is less efficient and thus less environmentally friendly. I am sure for the money it is costing to build this wind car he could have bought a Tesla, which seems to have more impressive specs anyways. What is cool about being wasteful?

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5732 Eli Green Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:27:43 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5732 I didn't see anyone who called it better than the Tesla. I see one mention of it being a better platform to work with than a Lotus, but nothing about it being better than the Tesla. I didn’t see anyone who called it better than the Tesla. I see one mention of it being a better platform to work with than a Lotus, but nothing about it being better than the Tesla.

]]> By: Eric http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5708 Eric Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:05:33 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5708 The first wind powered car? How is that better than all of the Tesla roadster owners with solar panels on their roofs charging them? What makes a wind car better than a sun car? The first wind powered car? How is that better than all of the Tesla roadster owners with solar panels on their roofs charging them? What makes a wind car better than a sun car?

]]> By: Jeffrey Lam http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5312 Jeffrey Lam Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:19:59 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5312 I second Dave Howey. I remember reading a few years back someone had replaced the wing mirrors with cameras for a concept car, but until doing that is legal all over the EU (I'm not even sure it was legal in the UK) it won't happen in production. I second Dave Howey. I remember reading a few years back someone had replaced the wing mirrors with cameras for a concept car, but until doing that is legal all over the EU (I’m not even sure it was legal in the UK) it won’t happen in production.

]]> By: Dave Howey http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5200 Dave Howey Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:09:05 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5200 Actually, it depends on the speed... at 100kph it is about 50% drag, 30% rolling resistance and the rest is powertrain inefficiencies (very roughly). At 80kph it is 40-40. So drag is only important at higher speeds (motorway driving). For lower speeds you need to reduce the weight of the vehicle (City driving). At any speed you need to reduce the rolling resistance (an extreme example of a vehicle with low rolling resistance is a train). Could replace mirrors with cameras but not all countries allow this? Dave Actually, it depends on the speed… at 100kph it is about 50% drag, 30% rolling resistance and the rest is powertrain inefficiencies (very roughly). At 80kph it is 40-40. So drag is only important at higher speeds (motorway driving). For lower speeds you need to reduce the weight of the vehicle (City driving). At any speed you need to reduce the rolling resistance (an extreme example of a vehicle with low rolling resistance is a train).

Could replace mirrors with cameras but not all countries allow this?
Dave

]]> By: Keith Baskett http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5194 Keith Baskett Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:51:15 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5194 This may have been said already, forgive me if it has. I imaging that reducing the drag factor by increasing the aerodynamics is all important in squeezing out those last drops of efficiency. So why not do away with the external mirrors replacing them with one or two tail-gate cameras (maybe set into the light clusters) and a camera each side looking along the length of the car. These side cameras being built within the lines of the car i.e. maybe from the top of the front wheel arch. This may have been said already, forgive me if it has. I imaging that reducing the drag factor by increasing the aerodynamics is all important in squeezing out those last drops of efficiency. So why not do away with the external mirrors replacing them with one or two tail-gate cameras (maybe set into the light clusters) and a camera each side looking along the length of the car. These side cameras being built within the lines of the car i.e. maybe from the top of the front wheel arch.

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5156 Eli Green Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:40:28 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5156 And the Tesla S will go even further (depending on the battery pack chosen)! http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/ I'm excited for progress from both companies, and Aptera as well, anyway. Electric vehicle progress is electric vehicle progress, period. I just figure that I'll be able to get a Tesla or Aptera faster than this car (whatever they end up naming it) because they're coming from this side of the pond. And the Tesla S will go even further (depending on the battery pack chosen)! http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/

I’m excited for progress from both companies, and Aptera as well, anyway. Electric vehicle progress is electric vehicle progress, period. I just figure that I’ll be able to get a Tesla or Aptera faster than this car (whatever they end up naming it) because they’re coming from this side of the pond.

]]> By: derek thomas http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5146 derek thomas Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:04:10 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5146 Dale You did query with me some time ago whether the Tesla Roadster was capable of 244 mile range. The following link will varify it can. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/01/tesla-roadster-races-387-km-240-miles-on-a-single-charge-in-fr/ Derek Dale

You did query with me some time ago whether the Tesla Roadster was capable of 244 mile range. The following link will varify it can.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/01/tesla-roadster-races-387-km-240-miles-on-a-single-charge-in-fr/

Derek

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5132 Eli Green Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:39:50 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5132 Many thanks Justin! I'm certainly not against Hurakan myself. Zeco certainly sounds unique, though it took me a second to figure out exactly how the dual nature of it worked. I thought it was a play on Zero Carbonista at first, but I realized that made no sense because it was Zeco and not Zeca (not as cool or as good of a name). I like the way Zeco denotes both the Zero Emissions and Eco Friendly aspects (even though it is a little redundant). Many thanks Justin!

I’m certainly not against Hurakan myself. Zeco certainly sounds unique, though it took me a second to figure out exactly how the dual nature of it worked. I thought it was a play on Zero Carbonista at first, but I realized that made no sense because it was Zeco and not Zeca (not as cool or as good of a name). I like the way Zeco denotes both the Zero Emissions and Eco Friendly aspects (even though it is a little redundant).

]]> By: Les Cater http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5117 Les Cater Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:38:45 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5117 I think that what you are doing is first class and is the way that the car industry should be going. I look forward to the day when you actually drive it on the road and I hope that you go into production with it . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I think that what you are doing is first class and is the way that the car industry should be going. I look forward to the day when you actually drive it on the road and I hope that you go into production with it . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

]]> By: Chris http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5098 Chris Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:04:18 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5098 If you haven't seen this already, you should give it a look. It's a Channel 4 News report on Bolivias massive and largely untouched Lithium deposits. Being one of the poorest countries in South America, they're desperate to exploit their Lithium deposits and indeed the EV industry itself. However like much of South America they have suffered exploitation before at the hands of foreign capitalists, and so they're naturally warey and keen to make sure Bolivia itself benefits from any industry. Which has put somewhat of a spanner in the works for Lithium. Check it out. http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/unlocking+bolivias+lithium+wealth+/3074807 If you haven’t seen this already, you should give it a look. It’s a Channel 4 News report on Bolivias massive and largely untouched Lithium deposits. Being one of the poorest countries in South America, they’re desperate to exploit their Lithium deposits and indeed the EV industry itself. However like much of South America they have suffered exploitation before at the hands of foreign capitalists, and so they’re naturally warey and keen to make sure Bolivia itself benefits from any industry. Which has put somewhat of a spanner in the works for Lithium. Check it out.

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/unlocking+bolivias+lithium+wealth+/3074807

]]> By: Justin Noe http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5090 Justin Noe Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:07:33 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5090 I'll give you a second vote for Blade, Eli. Even though I've voted for Hurakan and suggested Zeco! But Blade does sound good. I’ll give you a second vote for Blade, Eli. Even though I’ve voted for Hurakan and suggested Zeco! But Blade does sound good.

]]> By: Jeffrey Lam http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5088 Jeffrey Lam Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:57:25 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5088 I've found more on Hadouken and the other moves <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryu_(Street_Fighter)" rel="nofollow">here</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadouken" rel="nofollow">here</a>. So they are: Shinkū Hadōken - Vacuum Surge Fist Shinkū Tatsumaki-Senpū Kyaku - Vacuum Tornado Whirlwind Kick (how's that for a name?) and Shin Shōryū-ken - True Rising Dragon Fist I’ve found more on Hadouken and the other moves here and here.

So they are:
Shinkū Hadōken – Vacuum Surge Fist
Shinkū Tatsumaki-Senpū Kyaku – Vacuum Tornado Whirlwind Kick (how’s that for a name?) and
Shin Shōryū-ken – True Rising Dragon Fist

]]> By: Matt http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5059 Matt Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:23:05 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5059 I must admit that the Hurakan did remind me of the Hadouken. Ahhh the good old days! HADOUKEN!!! I must admit that the Hurakan did remind me of the Hadouken. Ahhh the good old days!

HADOUKEN!!!

]]> By: Eloise O'Hare http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5046 Eloise O'Hare Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:19:14 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5046 Hi Dale, Fantastic to see you making a domestic wind car. I designed a wind car myself a few years ago and wanted to build it here in Norfolk, had difficulty convincing the motor heads mechanics I knew as they are so head strung on oil. But when one day you will get round to building it. Love your ambition and love the way you spend my electric bill wisely. You can use my first name for your car as it is electric generated by wind, my name Eloise means lightning and I live down the road from where the car is being made. Hi Dale,
Fantastic to see you making a domestic wind car. I designed a wind car myself a few years ago and wanted to build it here in Norfolk, had difficulty convincing the motor heads mechanics I knew as they are so head strung on oil. But when one day you will get round to building it. Love your ambition and love the way you spend my electric bill wisely.
You can use my first name for your car as it is electric generated by wind, my name Eloise means lightning and I live down the road from where the car is being made.

]]> By: Ian http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-5015 Ian Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:49:07 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-5015 AEOLUS sounds a bit rude. Go for Zero! AEOLUS sounds a bit rude. Go for Zero!

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4950 Eli Green Sun, 05 Apr 2009 06:13:12 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4950 Woo! Got a vote for Blade! Thanks Jeffrey Woo! Got a vote for Blade!

Thanks Jeffrey

]]> By: Jeffrey Lam http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4900 Jeffrey Lam Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:13:32 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4900 the name game is not going to end anytime soon is it? Hurakan sounds good. The meaning of evince seems pretty good, but the sound of the word doesn't seem to conjure up anything for me... By the way, for some reason, Hurakan reminded me of "Hadouken" (uttered by Ryu and Ken in the game Street Fighter 2 when they threw fireballs). They also uttered other phrases when they performed the hurricane kick and dragon punch, but I can't remember one and can't spell the other... And "Henry" reminds me of the vacuum cleaner with the smiley face painted on it. I like "Blade" though... the name game is not going to end anytime soon is it? Hurakan sounds good. The meaning of evince seems pretty good, but the sound of the word doesn’t seem to conjure up anything for me…

By the way, for some reason, Hurakan reminded me of “Hadouken” (uttered by Ryu and Ken in the game Street Fighter 2 when they threw fireballs). They also uttered other phrases when they performed the hurricane kick and dragon punch, but I can’t remember one and can’t spell the other…

And “Henry” reminds me of the vacuum cleaner with the smiley face painted on it.

I like “Blade” though…

]]> By: Adsolar http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4883 Adsolar Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:35:37 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4883 E-go is short, snappy, fits in many ways. I was going to suggest 'Henry' (as in inductance, ampere & volt have I think already been used) but some may think that sucks ;-) E-go is short, snappy, fits in many ways.

I was going to suggest ‘Henry’ (as in inductance, ampere & volt have I think already been used) but some may think that sucks ;-)

]]> By: Ricardo http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4880 Ricardo Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:08:46 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4880 Hi there! Dale... you are doing a great job what other better platform to work with than a Lotus: feather light, good at cornering, compact, etc. About the name: let the car be ready, drive it, feel it. then after that sweet ride... the name is gonna pop up right away! Hi there! Dale… you are doing a great job what other better platform to work with than a Lotus: feather light, good at cornering, compact, etc.

About the name: let the car be ready, drive it, feel it. then after that sweet ride… the name is gonna pop up right away!

]]> By: Eli Green http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4871 Eli Green Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:32 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4871 Well, I don't know if these names have been suggested, but how about: Turbin (pronounced Turbine) or Turbine, like a wind turbine or Blade, as in "It cuts through the wind" or "It's powered by wind turbines, which have blades. Well, I don’t know if these names have been suggested, but how about:

Turbin (pronounced Turbine) or Turbine, like a wind turbine

or

Blade, as in “It cuts through the wind” or “It’s powered by wind turbines, which have blades.

]]> By: Matt http://zerocarbonista.com/2009/04/01/the-wind-car-episode-7-of-6/#comment-4850 Matt Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:01:23 +0000 http://zerocarbonista.com/?p=282#comment-4850 I dont like evincer. Just wouldn't work for a car. Im still a fan of Zero. Gallant (as in brave) would be quite cool as it stands in the way of all the big gas guzzlers out there. Sort of along the same lines as previous suggestions like Valiant etc (but i think theres a film about pidgeons called Valiant already...) I dont like evincer. Just wouldn’t work for a car. Im still a fan of Zero.

Gallant (as in brave) would be quite cool as it stands in the way of all the big gas guzzlers out there. Sort of along the same lines as previous suggestions like Valiant etc (but i think theres a film about pidgeons called Valiant already…)

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