Popular Mechanics samples the Venturi Eclectic solar buggy
We first saw the aptly named Venturi Eclectic at last year's Paris Motor Show and the company has now brought one to sunny southern California. The sunny part is important since the roof is covered with photo-voltaic cells. If left parked in the sun all day it can absorb enough energy to extend the standard 30-mile range by an extra 4-5 miles. If a breeze is available the roof mounted wind turbine can purportedly add another 10 miles of range. Venturi hopes to start selling the first 200 examples of this neighborhood electric vehicle next spring for just over $30,000. The team from Popular Mechanics got to sample the Eclectic and have put up a video of the experience.
[Source: Popular Mechanics, thanks to Matt for the tip]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John strong 4:54PM (6/19/2008)
Putting solar panels on cars seems long over due. My car just sits more than I can drive it now. When will Detroit get the message? And Trucks, lets not forget that they need diesel fuel for the future. Gassifacation of coal is overdue. Global warming does not change the fact that TRUCKS MUST GET FUEL! Reducing cost of fuel, using our own resources is good for the USA!
We know how to make diesel from coal, LETS DO IT!
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Kardax 4:59PM (10/03/2007)
Sorry, but nobody's going to pay $30,000 for a golf cart.
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Chris M 5:50PM (10/03/2007)
"Sorry, but nobody's going to pay $30,000 for a golf cart."
Nobody sensable, but a few "look at me I'm rich" types may go for it. Venturi is getting to be known for making limited production vehicles that are either overpriced or impractical, or both.
For half that price we could get a much better equipped NEV and a much larger solar array for our home, and do better for energy and the environment.
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Tony Belding 6:31PM (10/03/2007)
It's a NEV! There are plenty of NEVs on the market already, and many of them are more practical (i.e. come with doors) and less goofy looking than this one. And as Chris M notes, you could easily pair a common NEV with a larger solar panel for your home, and drive on renewable energy.
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Domenick 7:14AM (10/04/2007)
I used to think it looked totally ridiculous but it's kind of growing on me. I don't know if I would like it after the doors are added though.
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calebe 2:42PM (10/04/2007)
No worse looking than a GEM. Still, 30K is a lot.
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