A Couple of Electric Vehicles Available in Australia

The new Vectrix electric scooter is now going to be available in Australia. I rang the Australian distributers  and have found out that it will cost $17 500.00.  This is a bit steep however if I buy one I can use it for commuting.  My work may be starting 6:00am early shifts and this starting time makes it almost impossible to take my normal public transport.  If I had a Vectrix I would be able to commute with a clear conscience.

Anyway here is the details of the Vectrix:

VECTRIX SPECS

 

Performance	Max Speed	62 mph / 100 km/h
	Acceleration	0-50 mph (80 km/h) - 6.8 seconds 0-31 mph (50 km/h) - 3.6 seconds
	Range	68 miles (110 km) @ 25 mph (40 km/h) Simulated urban driving - 5 hours
	Braking	Patented multi-function throttle (DAaRT) provides regenerative braking and slow-speed reverse Front and rear Brembo disc brakes
	Tires	Pirelli: GTS23 120/70-14 (Front) and GTS24 140/60 13 (Rear)
	Fork	Marzocchi Telescopic Fork
	Suspension	Sachs Twin Shocks
Battery	Battery Type	Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
	Rated Battery Capacity	30 Ah, 3.7 kW-h
	Rated Battery Voltage	125V
	Charger	1.5kW on-board battery charger
	Recharge Requirements	110V-220V (50/60Hz)
	Recharge Time	2 hours (80% charge)
	Battery Discharge Cycles	1,700 (80% charge)
	Estimated Battery Life	10 years or 50,000 miles / 80,000 km
Motor & Gearbox	Motor Type	Brushless DC, radial air-gap motor
	Peak Power	20 kW peak power at 3000 rpm
	Max Current	275 Amps
	Max Torque	65 Nm
	Gearbox	Integrated rear-wheel mounted planetary gear drive
Electronics	Controller	DSP & IGBT based all-digital electronic control and motor drive system
	Instrumentation	LCD¹s display speed, odometer, battery charge,, estimated range, and system status
	Communications	Controller Area Network (CAN) Bluetooth wireless sytems diagnostics and communication
Dimensions	Weight	462lb (210 kg)
	Wheelbase	60" (1525 mm)
	Seat Height	30" (770 mm)
	Wheels	Front - 14" Rear - 13"
	Storage Capacity	Under seat storage for a full-faced helmet Glove compartment
Other	Frame	Lightweight aluminum frame
	Warranty	24 months
	Emissions	Zero
	Retail Price	$11,000, not including tax, registration, freight or delivery charges.

Pretty impressive and the ideal commuter.  Nickel Metal Hydride batteries make sense when extreme range is not needed.  They are less expensive and conserve lithium for longer range requirements.  Why use more expensive Lithium batteries if you only need a 100km range.

The other one is a electric conversion that I read about in ReNew magazine - Blade Electric Vehicles.  You can view their website here.  It is a Hyundai Getz conversion called the Blade Runner however I do not know what the motor is and whether it is AC or DC.  I have emailed the company with some questions and I will update this post with the reply.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Recommended car for conversion to electric       drive       Hyundai Getz 2002 - 2007              Readily available through       Peter Stevens Motorworld - Ballarat, Victoria       Telephone Tyrone Mahoney 03 5336 8777
0- 60kph	9       seconds and cruse at 100kph
Body	Retro-fitted       Hyundi Getz
Drive	Variable electric drive
Range	100 - 120km in urban areas
Controller	500Amp
Fuel       cells	Lithium ion
Life	Li ion 8        - 10 years (dependent on use and recharge frequency)
kwh	Li ion 14 to       19kwh
Recharge times	Charger A       - 240v @ 16amps takes around       9 hours              Charger B - 240 v @ 10 - 50amps       takes around 2.5 hours
Cost to       fuel	Approximately $1.20 per 100 klms (Off peak rates)
DC       electric motor	40kw       electric motor
Occupants	4 seat
Towing       capacity	500kg towing       a small Aunger box trailer
Price	Please       contact Ross Blade on  61 (0)             3 5472 2960
Warranty	5 years on labour, manufacturers warranty applies to parts

 

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Again almost the perfect commuter - depends on the price though

Comments

[Lobes]

Do you already own or drive an ICE car? If the choice is between the Getz and the Vectrix then get the car and use a ICE scooter. That way your footprint is reduced compared to vice-versa.

Though I can't see an electric Getz being cheaper than a standard model...

[Ender]

Lobes - Yes I do own an IC car. I think that I am going to do it the other way. I really want to start riding motorbikes again. I know that a scooter is not a real bike however at least I can ride it to work and do errands etc without feeling too bad.

I have not got a price on the Getz yet - no answer from the person selling them.