turbo_bird wrote:
While the idea of an electric car is great for a city commuter, I don't think I'd want something like a Locost as an electric car. A Locost is supposed to be light and nimble, and adding the 1000lb drivetrain mentioned from a Leaf would make for a pretty heavy locost. I think heavier vehicles are probably more suitable for electrification, because the weight penalty isn't as noticeable when the overall weight of the vehicle is taken into consideration. Adding 1000 lbs to a Locost that probably weighs 800 with the conventional drivetrain removed is going to have a much bigger effect on handling and driveability than adding the same 1000 lbs to a typical family sedan that probably weighs over 2500 lbs minus drivetrain. For an autocross or drag car that doesn't need any kind of practical range though, it could be pretty exciting.
Kristian
Your are right to a degree. Not many seven however weigh 800 lbs +drive train. I think that a reasonable pack of lithium ion batteries with controler can possibly be assembled under 500 lbs. Yes of course will you ask...what will be the range of the machine. This is where one should start watching the new developments
"50 kWh Bosch EV Battery will Soon Weigh Just 190 Kilograms"
That's what I just read on the web . 50KWh is a lot of steam if you think that the Smart packs 4.4KWh (range 85 miles).