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Mindset, a new Hybrid Car from Switzerland
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Written on: 15 March 2008 [12:11]
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ecoadmin
Administrator
Topic creator
registered since: 20.07.2007
Posts: 585
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The Mindset is a Hybrid Sport Coupe with Range Extender. It should enter production in 2009. CEO and Chief Designer is Murat Günak. He designed for Mercedes the C-Class, the models SLK, SLR, CLS, for Peugeot the 206 Convertible and for Volkswagen the EOS and Tiguan. The philosophy behind the Mindset is to give drivers back the joy of driving without having to feel always guilty about the emissions. The car accelerates in less than 7 seconds from 0 to 100 kph. Max speed is capped at 140 kph. The Li-Ion batteries give the Mindset a range of about 100 km. Solar panels on the roof of the car should help to increase its range. Price 50'000 - 100'000 Swiss Francs resp. US Dollars or 25'000 - 50'000 British Pounds. More info on their website: http://www.mindset.ch Twike 890
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Written on: 19 March 2008 [11:15]
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childress
Administrator
registered since: 14.08.2007
Posts: 140
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ecoadmin wrote: Solar panels on the roof of the car should help to increase its range. There are several things done on racing vehicles (Tour de Sol) that are a bad idea in real everyday driving -- putting solar cells all over the top of your vehicle is one of them: Everything I've read on this says that it is a bad idea; the amount of surface area on the vehicle compared to the amount needed to power it is not favorable: It makes far more sense to install bigger and better solar panels on the building where you park to charge it. I'd much rather park my car in the cool shade with an electric line snaking to a set of stationary solar panels... batteries charge better when they're cool, at least my NiCads do... not sure how Li-ION batteries deal with being charged while hot. Commute suck? Twike it; You'll like it!
http://www.uiuc.edu/goto/twike |
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Written on: 19 March 2008 [22:15]
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ecoadmin
Administrator
Topic creator
registered since: 20.07.2007
Posts: 585
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Hello, I know of a solar panel which has been installed once on a Twike, but the generated extra energy was basically wasted again due to increased weight. Its more of a feature to advertise solar energy or panels than a range extending add-on. I think solar panels can make a difference when used on light and special vehicles as shown on the Tour de Sol but in real life effectiveness is reduced a lot. A positive example use of a solar panel on a car is the Solartaxi, currently on World Tour. The solar panel is mounted to a trailer and extends the range considerably. The trailer is fully licenced for road use. You made an interesting point: Batteries (NiCd) like to be charged in a cool place and having a solar panel on the roof does not really help to keep a car cool if you want to have it recharged at the same time. But who knows, a solar panel on the roof is maybe what customers want...  Twike 890
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Written on: 20 March 2008 [12:12]
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ecoadmin
Administrator
Topic creator
registered since: 20.07.2007
Posts: 585
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childress wrote: ... not sure how Li-ION batteries deal with being charged while hot. Just had a look into the manual of the new Li-Ion Twike. The instructions for battery charging are similar to those equipped with NiCd batteries. Recharging above 45°C is not possible. Between 0°C and 45°C recharging can be done without restrictions. It is recommended to park it in the shade while recharging.... Not sure how the Mindset will deal with this situation, but I have the feeling it will have similar limitations. Cheers, Stefan Twike 890
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Written on: 10 May 2008 [10:19]
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carmusk
registered since: 10.05.2008
Posts: 5
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"The Mindset is a Hybrid Sport Coupe with Range Extender. It should enter production in 2009." It's a great car if ever. I love Hybrid car. That's why when I saw this topic i immediately join. I have read Hybrid World and it's good to read especially to those car enthusiasts. [This article was edited 1 times, at last 13.05.2008 at 09:01.] |
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