Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), Asia
Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium introduces light-electric vehicle
James Wang, director of the Intelligent Mobility Technology division of the Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium (TARC), believes that Taiwan is the perfect testing ground for small, low-speed electric vehicles. The fact that huge numbers of people live centered around large urban areas means that most people don't need to travel long distances to get what they need. Additionally, Taiwan's warm weather is favorable for batteries. So, TARC has created what it is referring to as a light-electric-vehicle (LEV). TARC envisions these two-seat vehicles, with their odd wheel arrangement of three in the rear and one in front, zipping around the urban Mecca's that make up emerging countries. TARC's goal is to reach a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and a top speed of 40 miles per hour. Those targets shouldn't be too difficult to reach. The LEV is powered by four removable lithium ion batteries which can either be recharged in the vehicle or replaced when discharged. We think that the specifications are fine, but question why the design of their LEV is superior to a more conventional arrangement (Remember the Ecooter?). Regardless, the vehicle is currently being tested in in rural areas, and plans are in the works to bring it into urban settings shortly.
[Source: Wards Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kevin Nugent 10:52PM (5/02/2008)
Its cute . But i just don't like that it has so many wheels
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meme 11:06PM (5/02/2008)
Yeay. Yet another NEV is going to change the world. Wake me up when it happens.
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Mark 12:19AM (5/03/2008)
"low speed electric" will NEVER be mass adopted. People need to go on the highway without being a moving traffic light.
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rj 1:31AM (5/03/2008)
wheelchair on steroids
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Dave 8:55AM (5/03/2008)
Looks like a shopping cart. In my opinion this is not a safe or viable looking design.
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j_jones99 2:37PM (5/03/2008)
This would be perfect for Taiwan. I lived there for awhile and most people ride around on little scooters. So this would be way safer, and keep you dry when it rains, which it does often.
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