A small update here while I continue to work on some design details, primarily around suspension. After a successful initial meeting things are moving forward to secure a complete electric drivetrain system. I spoke briefly with a representative for Honda Powersports who really liked the idea and passed me onto the Honda Ideas department regarding an engine for a gasoline model variant. I'm not 100% sure which motorcycle engine would be a best fit for the car, but it's down to a handful and a Honda unit is near the top of the list.
KB58 wrote:
This is entirely doable for Ford, GM, or more likely, an offshore mfg, but the price would very likely be more like mid-US$30K or so. I mean, compare it to any small/micro hybrid or all-electric car that's actually in production. I don't know of any mfg making a car in that price range and there's probably a reason. What's different about your design that lowers component costs by half?
If you look at the cost of the individual components, it's clear that EV technology is becoming more and more an economy of scale every year. Electric vehicle battery costs have dropped 80% in 6 years down to $227/kWh, and Tesla claims to be below $190/kWh. As this trend continues, EV's will become more and more affordable to build but car companies may still wish to sell them at higher prices because they're seen as premium products with cutting-edge technology. I am estimating future MSRP of a production version somewhat based on this trend, but there are many car companies rapidly approaching this level of price availability. The Tesla Model 3 costs $35k as you stated a likely price would be for such a car, but the Model 3 has a 220-310 mile range, weighs more than 2000 lbs more than my car, and is massive compared to the vehicle I'm designing. There are clearly a lot more resources going into the production of that car than the concept I have proposed.
On the low end of the scale, look at the fiat Smart electric coupe starting at just under $24,000 and would be the closest competitor to the BR4. It's a 2 seater with similar electric power/torque figures. Smart has a lot of resources in Mercedes-Benz, but I think in a few years time battery technology will have changed enough to predict that another theoretically mass-produced EV could achieve a similar price point.
KB58 wrote:
As a "price point", someone can build the car I designed, "Midlana", for about US$12k, but only if they do all the work themselves and construct it with used parts. I don't see any "wiggle room" for a mfg to make a profit based upon the projected price above. I like everything you're proposing and think it's perfectly doable, but if I was a professor judging your design project, I'd be all over the cost projections - I guess I just can't see it as a viable product at that price point.
(This project also ignores safety - which mfgs absolutely cannot. Once airbags, crush zones, and door beams are added, the overall weight will go way up, hurting both performance and mileage.)
Again, I am talking mass production, not single man-hours on the clock, which makes a huge difference. Safety features are definitely an expense and additional weight penalty, and while I am not able to accurately estimate the cost of these items, I have taken their weight into consideration with regards to the 1800lb target weight.
TRX wrote:
Do the windows roll down? Besides ventilation on nice days, you need to be able to handle drive-throughs and toll booths.
Is there a heater? Most countries require at least a defroster/demister now.
......
Range is always an issue with electrics, but parts are junkyardable now for prototyping. For a very small car, there's an advantage that the motor(s), batteries, and controller comprise multiple discrete parts that might be easier to package, and in most jurisdictions you won't run into emissions certification hassles. Downside, heat and AC come directly off range.
Your body design is very nice.
Glad you like the design! Yes I do plan on having fully operable windows, heat, a/c (although not on the prototype), windshield wipers, etc. The goal is for the car to be fully street legal. Windows will be plexiglass for the prototype. And yes, I think the weight penalty for these crash structures has decreased significantly over time! I am excited to research this further in the coming months