New York '08 Preview: Milner ElectriCar plug-in hybrid
Some of you may recall the AirCar that was created a couple of years ago by Milner Motors. Well, to date, the Milner AirCar has yet to reach lift-off velocity and has only managed to roll around on solid ground. Now the Milner team has sliced off most of the wings and is preparing to install a plug-in hybrid power-train to create the ElectriCar. The specs for the ElectriCar list an 11kWh battery which provides energy to a pair of 15hp electric motors which turn the rear wheels. Milner claims the car can run electrically for two hours or 120 miles before the 125cc engine switches on to charge the batteries. According to the website, Milner has contracted a company to do safety engineering work on the ElectriCar so that it can meet federal safety standards. Milner will apparently be at the New York Auto Show next month, so we'll be looking into how real this thing really is.
[Source: Milner]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
litteuldav 4:28PM (2/26/2008)
Concept is great, performance and autonomy seems to be in good balance.
This car has many of the properties an electric car should have to succeed.
Good points are in order :
-Light weight
-correct autonomy (plus 125cc helper engine)
-honest power (this isn't muscle car, but who cares ?)
-seats four
-some room for luggage
-simple technology : means doable
-good Cx( looks like a rocket !)
-sympathic design, not too much, not too fade
This car is on the good way, it has many of the qualities that have done the People's Car of each era (VW bug, Fiat 500, Renault 4, Citroen 2CV, Austin Mini, etc...).
I wish it had the last and not least of these qualities : Affordable Price :-D
Any idea anyone on a fork for the price ?
Reply
Carlos Ferreira 4:57PM (2/26/2008)
I know you're right, tech-wise. But, it doesn't look "normal", has a frail look to it, isn't from a reputed manufacturer that people feel can back up warranties and keep evolving when it goes wrong, and it probably won't be mass produced. So, not much there if the product and the price is right! Promotion and Placement will kill it, I'm afraid! And it's too bad.
Carlos Ferreira
http://www.greencarvalue.blogspot.com
Reply
GenWaylaid 4:10AM (2/27/2008)
Taking this idea one step further, there must be some Cessnas and other light aircraft that have too many flight hours to remain airworthy. They would be just fine on the street, though, and very low in drag. Cut off the wings and tail, fit your electric drivetrain, and remember to use only three wheels. Voila, the DIY Aptera!
Reply
davewin 3:16PM (3/06/2008)
The likelihood of this contraption ever coming to market is just a fraction higher than zero.
Reply