Robert Q. Riley Enterprises, LLC, in Glendale, Ariz., will introduce its XR-3 plug-in hybrid kit, a sleek two-passenger, three-wheel sports car that is expected to generate up to 225 miles per gallon and have a battery-only range of up to 40 miles, in June 2007.
Its clam-shell canopy and three-wheel platform boldly differentiates the XR-3 from conventional passenger cars. The vehicle’s hybrid power system, diesel engine, and low curb weight are the main ingredients of its super-high fuel economy and excellent performance. At just 1300 pounds, with acceleration equal to that of a conventional car and a maximum speed of 85 mph the XR-3 Hybrid is equally at home on freeways and surface streets.
| Seating | Two, side-by-side |
| Wheelbase | 88 inch |
| Track: | 66 inch |
| Curb Weight | 1300 lb |
| Height | 43 inch |
Driving on power from its diesel engine, the XR-3 can achieve fuel economy of 125 miles per gallon. However, when the diesel and electric power systems are combined in a hybrid driving mode, fuel economy can exceed 200 miles per gallon over an 80-mile trip.
A simple three-position switch allows the driver to select between battery-only, diesel-only and hybrid driving modes.
Designed to be assembled by someone with average mechanical abilities and no prior experience, the all-wheel drive vehicle will be available as a kit or plans for complete do-it-yourself construction.
No price for the kit was given, if you send an email to the address given here you can be notified of the "special" advance order price as soon as it is available.
It's a paralell hybrid with the rear wheel electric and the front wheels diesel powered. Interesting. A very simple design.
And great for converting a regular front wheel drive car. Just electrify the back wheels.
Posted by: amazingdrx | March 20, 2007 at 08:03 PM
Is the 200 mpg for a charge depleting or sustaining strategy? A standard "fuel consumption" needs to be introduced that covers HEV and PHEV so that consumers can make educated choices rather than relying upon the choices of the marketing.
Posted by: DavidJ | March 21, 2007 at 10:50 AM
At first glance this appears to be a car nobody will buy, except seriously dedicated greens who now ride a moped to work to save gasoline.
I realize this is a niche vehicle, and I doff my hat to Robert Q. Riley for bringing it to market. I just wish more electric-car companies would learn something from Tesla's vision -- i.e., build a car people will actually want to drive, and will feel secure buckling their kids into.
Posted by: mtburr | March 21, 2007 at 10:58 AM
GOOD FOR US RETIRED DUDES WITH TIME ON OUR HANDS.
How big is the diesel? What is the cornering/suspension lay out?
I would really like to see the prototype. Any chace of getting the EEStor capcitor in it?
Be well.
Posted by: Peter Hunt | March 21, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Peter Hunt, I'm feeling like the EEStor capacitor is a "pie in the sky" idea. I thought by now we would have had more from that company as to what stage they are at, or whether this battery is actually going to be developed. They set some dates that got passed by and I haven't seen anything else to since.
As far as the car above, I have to agree that the style might not sell. I'm not a big fan of three wheels, not that I wouldn't buy it, especially if the price was right. I think the Tesla look is better for sales.
Posted by: Gregor | March 21, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Like the Mini, if this is fun to drive, buyers will come. Automotive manufacturers are also rolling out more hybrid options in the next 2 years. I have also seen upgrade kits for the Prius that extend the mileage over 100MPG. Cheers.
Posted by: Francesco DeParis | March 21, 2007 at 04:50 PM
What is the attraction with 3 wheeled vehicles? The design concept has been around for decades, and the horrid vehicle dynamics are well understood. Have the various new wave e-car companies made a startling leap in engineering, or is this just technological wankery?
Posted by: George | March 22, 2007 at 12:39 AM
George, my understanding of the appeal of three wheels is that in many cases (here in Ontario for example) they are classified as "motorcycles" and thus not subject to the many automobile requirements for safety, etc.
Posted by: Randy Park | March 23, 2007 at 11:07 AM
if never have to charge I will to buy :)
Posted by: dnasun | March 23, 2007 at 04:20 PM
As a niche only vehicle it is OK. But more electric-car companies must start building cars of all sizes which people will feel safe in and will want to buy. Cars and 4x4s for the safe transportation of our children and our pets are what is required... not just 'niche objects' for inner city transport.
Great blog by the way, informative in so many different ways.
I am trying to get people to conserve energy in a much smaller way at http://batteries-search.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jacis | March 26, 2007 at 08:35 AM