AutoblogGreen

We have covered lots of electric conversions here but rare is the bird that soars like this one. The idea behind this project was to showcase the potential of A123 Systems cells that are also being used in a "conventional" car conversion. "Conventional" as in a 2003 BMW 325i. (We'll keep an eye on its progress.)

The project started with two Honda CRF250Rs, with one being converted and one remaining stock for after-completion comparison. Each step was documented with a photo and a brief description. The builder, named on the web site as Bob Simpson BSEE, had a goal of keeping the weight, balance and abuse quotient as close to the original as possible and with all the cool tools and quality components he's working with, it seems he got pretty close.

The final product certainly looks terrific. The range is yet to be determined as more testing needs to be done. The highest speed mentioned is 57.4 mph. As evidenced by the photo above the electric bike certainly doesn't seem to be lacking for torque, although it could perhaps use a second gear. The website featuring the conversion has lots of other information and links for those interested in electrified transportation and is well worth checking out.

[Source: Performance EV Conversion]

Let me just say... I want one of these Quantya electric bikes really, really badly. I would not blame you one bit if you stopped reading right now and went past the break to see a video of this machine in action... it made me want to get up from behind my computer and head on outside for a ride - but then, how would I be able to show you this stuff, huh? I'm so self-sacrificing. HA! Anyway, the motor is powered by 48 volts from lithium-polymer batteries. It takes two hours to fully charge the batteries - maybe longer in America. The front forks are Marzocchi Shiver 35 mm units which are often specified for downhill mountainbike racing.

According to their website, Quantya should have competition and road versions of this off-road bike available soon. From the looks of their visitor map, there are plenty of people interested in this in America. Unfortunately for them (and me), though, this article from EVWorld says that the company is focusing on Europe first. Bummer!

[Source: Quantya, YouTube]

Flight. Drag racing. Radio controlled vehicles. Monster trucks, motocross... the list goes on and on. What list am I making? A list of activities or hobbies that could be considered by some to be environmentally irresponsible. Why? Let's examine some of them, starting with flight.

Much has been made regarding high-profile travelers, such as Al Gore and Mark Fields of Ford using jets to travel back and forth across the world, or even just our own country. Some believe that using systems already in place, such as by bus, boat or train, is more environmentally responsible. But, that is not where I was thinking of going with this editorial. I am thinking more along the lines of hobbyist flight, for instance ultralights. Some have been in love with the idea of flight for some time, ever since the Wright brothers proved it was possible. You know, environmentally speaking, there might not be anything wrong with it. Consider our past discussions of solar-powered flight and electric powered flight. Don't discount hang-gliding and parachuting. I have never done any of them, but I have heard from many that they offer an experience unlike any other. Also, there has been talk as of late about using biofuels as aircraft fuels.

Click past the break to read more about upcoming green hobbies, and submit your own in the comments!