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I really think it would be a big hit with consumers who don't wish to be exposed to the elements or have to balance a motorcycle, but would opt for BASIC transportation with a 500cc motor, 3 or 4 wheels, and enclosed cab.

You mean something like the Persu or the Carver One?

Why are these not on the market? Shut up and take my money!

I don't understand the current thinking that only a full-sized electric car will help us. Small three-wheeler electric vehicles for commuters, that are *affordable*, would help immensely. The only ones I've seen cost more than a civic hybrid (e.g. http://www.flytheroad.com/)

Thanks for the links. Did you forget Fly the Road?

I'm in line for the Aptera all-electric model. I get regular updates and they DO seem to be on target for delivery in California. I waited years for the Venture One but it's still vaporware. All seems to indicate Aptera is the real deal.

Since I installed solar panels, the cost of charging the vehicle at night will be nominal, as my day-generation will offset the charge.

You may be thinking of the Vector One? http://www.flytheroad.com/

I understand the skepticism, honestly, I do. I think that their projections for time to market are a little cramped, although doable if their suppliers are able to deliver. But they have several things going for them. First, they are working with an existing reference model, the Carver 1 and have licensed the tilting technology from them. Second, they are going to utilize industry standard components as much as possible, which in theory should reduce supply issues. Third, they are realistic about their initial launch schedule. They are targeting a California launch and only 1000-2000 vehicles their first year using pre-fab construction facilities. Last, they have made some good strategic partners (that link on their site) is down at the moment, but check back.

Here is an article from the New York Times that spotlights them. An interesting read.

All in all, I'm still skeptical. But their CEO (who is active in their forums) is a very personable guy. He isn't looking for money from individuals for "down payments" and has been very realistic about all of the different aspects. Once they have some working prototypes then my skepticism will really drop, until then I'm just going to watch and hope it does come to market as it would probably be a really fun vehicle to drive.

Some more links. Venture1 on CBS
Some more about the Carver

I understand the skepticism, honestly, I do. I think that their projections for time to market are a little cramped, although doable if their suppliers are able to deliver. But they have several things going for them. First, they are working with an existing reference model, the Carver 1 and have licensed the tilting technology from them. Second, they are going to utilize industry standard components as much as possible, which in theory should reduce supply issues. Third, they are realistic about their initial launch schedule. They are targeting a California launch and only 1000-2000 vehicles their first year using pre-fab construction facilities. Last, they have made some good strategic partners (that link on their site) is down at the moment, but check back.

Here is an article from the New York Times that spotlights them. An interesting read.

All in all, I'm still skeptical. But their CEO (who is active in their forums) is a very personable guy. He isn't looking for money from individuals for "down payments" and has been very realistic about all of the different aspects. Once they have some working prototypes then my skepticism will really drop, until then I'm just going to watch and hope it does come to market as it would probably be a really fun vehicle to drive.

Some more links. Venture1 on CBS
Some more about the Carver

• 3 wheels with power tilting "Carving" feature
• 2 passenger
• 100mpg
• 100mph sustained speeds
• 0-60 in 7 seconds or less
• 350 mile range
• Safety features equal to or exceeding a small car with rollcage, but still classified as a motorcycle in the US
• less than $20k

Why did they not mention the V1 from Venture Vehicles? Here is the latest update from them that has some of the sketches of their design proposals. They are still targeting a 2009Q2 release (I hope they hit it), which is before 4 of the 6 vehicles listed.

It could just be me as that is about the only electric vehicle that I follow or care about, but I have a sneaking suspicion that TFA didn't do as much homework as they should have (I know, I know...and no I'm not new here, relatively speaking).

Oops, botched my HTML. That link should be www.flytheroad.com.

Suppose that the car's fuel system has juice to cruise for 6 hours before refueling; in other words it holds 36 kWh worth of energy.

In order to transfer this amount of energy into the cell in 5 minutes (1/12th of an hour) requires a sustained power output of 432 kW.

Multiply with the amount of vechiles being reloaded simultaneously.

http://www.flytheroad.com/

is the Venture 1 excluded from the 2 passenger category? http://flytheroad.com/

Let's cut to the chase. There's already a winner:
        http://www.flytheroad.com/

All we have to do now is ban those big, ugly cars.

Check this out, I think you'd like this:
http://www.flytheroad.com/

I don't think it's vaporware. One of the links, Fly The Road, has videos of the vehicle in action. If they can deliver the hybrid for less than $20k like they say they can, I'll definitely have a replacement commuting car.

The cool technology involved in the vehicle goes way beyond the batteries. Of course, the two models I'd be interested in are hybrids, not pure electric, but then that's the one that seems to be vapor right now. Watch the videos, this is a REALLY interesting "bike."