Edison VLC (Very Light Car) - not micro

[AndrewG]

As we had a discussion recently about the economics of small scale production of small-ish cars, anyone interested could do worse than watch this 30min vid by the boss of the Edison2 company that won the recent X-Prize for fuel-efficiency with a combined cycle of 132mpg(imp).  They seem serious about getting into the car business with some radical ideas.

http://youtu.be/06wY7jGu1O0

Their X-Prize car wasn't small by micro standards - 2000mm/79" wide is enormous - but other data is relevant, like carrying 4 passengers on a kerb weight of 830lb/377kg with a 250cc turbo single producing 40hp and giving a top speed of over 100mph.  And a bit of a 'Schmitt look going on there.

[Chris Thomas]

Thank you Andrew

That video of Oliver Knuttner is the most enlightening presentation I have heard for a long time on the subject of what the motor industry is doing wrong and why the Microcar ethos is the right route, all be that we have to move on from what has been done before.

I do hope the big motor manufacturers do not gang up against these ideas just to protect their own interests, and that they take heed of what is being said. The analagy with the computer industry that he makes is very relevent.

I accept that Oliver is selling his product, but it is not a hard sell when you look at the technology and science behind the project.

Now we need to look at what we are doing and why.

Chris Thomas

[Big Al]

Gordon Murray, another who has shown up the 'car manufacturers' for what they are.

[Bob Purton]

I would love to see the suspension in the wheel system, as an Inter fan I'm drawn to outrigger wheel assemblies. Is the suspension actually in the wheel its self or does the hub move up and down? Would love to know!

[AndrewG]

I think you could argue that the Isetta nearly has in-wheel suspension - it certainly meets the Edison requirement of having a single mounting point on the end of a non-moving 'axle tube'.

[Bob Purton]

Well, if thats the only criteria that defines in wheel suspension they have nothing new!

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Bob

Michelin tyre company have a complete in wheel suspension system which contains also brakes and an electric motor. They have shown it at the last two ecovelocity exhibitions here in London. I would imagine the  Edison system is very similar.

Chris Thomas

[Bob Purton]

Interesting! One wouldnt think there would be enough travel to make it effective enough. Still if the wheel diameter is BIG then this would allow for more travel.

[Big Al]

Ah! Brakes and electric motor inside the wheel. Unsprung weight light as possible, little travel needed especially with a nice bit of tyre wall. If not, then Hoppy Spadge time and Edison one T short of a near brilliant light house of an idea.

[marcus]

Dear Bob

Michelin tyre company have a complete in wheel suspension system which contains also brakes and an electric motor. They have shown it at the last two ecovelocity exhibitions here in London. I would imagine the  Edison system is very similar.

Chris Thomas

That's the way to go!
In fact it would be great for bubble cars...Three Wheel Drive!