Update to the Predator-Defiant EV3 story
If you've been wondering about the connection between the Predator EV3 and the Deviant EV3, two electric cars that look very similar and seem to be under development by the same company, we have your answer. John M, from Quest Enterprises, who originally let us know about the Predator, has sent us an email that clarifies just how the two vehicles (and the two companies, Shockwave Motors and Drive Electric, that are behind them) all fit together. John's full email is pasted after the jump (with his permission), but the short version if you've got to go out and quick-charge your EV is that John is indeed responsible for both the Defiant, which he designed as a home build project, and the Predator, which is that DIY vehicle taken to the next level. Thanks to a million dollars' worth of research and validation studies at the Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute and some universities, the Predator is the potentially commercial evolution of the Defiant. Read more after the jump.
Email from John:
Yes, there is a connection. Several years ago I created the Defiant EV3© Roadster as a home build project and then established the Drive Electric web site to market the plans. Comments were positive and sales of the plans were brisk. About three years ago, I was approached with the suggestion to evolve the Defiant into a fully commercialized electric vehicle.
Extensive engineering research and validation studies (valued at over one million dollars) have been conducted by the Quebec Advanced Transportation Institute and several universities. This research resulted in over 1,000 pages of documentation, including component analysis, design for manufacturing, and failure analysis. The Predator EV3© Roadster from Shockwave Motors is a direct result of this research and development.
The plans for the Defiant EV3© are even available from both web sites. In fact, on the Shockwave Motors site, under the Manuals Section, we have the following statement, "Shockwave Motors's Predator EV3 Roadster© actually began it's life as a home built project. This project was called the Defiant©. The manual and accompanying DVD describe in detail how to build the "rail" style dune buggy or three wheeled electric vehicle."
Shockwave Motors is moving forward. In addition to the Predator, we are developing a design reminiscent of an old Triumph or MG. Necessary components have been identified and relationships with suppliers created. Prototypes are being created and tested. At the present time, we are approaching sources of funding in an effort to establish manufacturing facilities.
[Source: John at Quest Enterprises]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jeremie 9:40AM (6/04/2008)
WOW
From my own province and I never knew about it... Someone hasn't been doing good marketing...
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tankd0g 11:04AM (6/04/2008)
Enough with the 3 wheelers. I'm all for living dangerously, but these thing are tempting fate.
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Alex 7:29PM (6/04/2008)
As a dabbler in the area, I've been suprised many times when some of the most bizarre things I've been looking for need not be searched for on the web, it was available within 5 miles of the house.
A portion of the website is dedicated the to nay-sayer on three wheeled vehicles noting that research yeilds out that 3 wheeled vehicles utilizing a low center of gravity and the majority of the weight in the area of the two rear tires can make a three wheeled vehicle to meet the same safety profile of four wheeled vehicles (see R. Riley one of the world's foremost authorities on three wheeled vehicles).
Most of the people who complain about the three wheeled vehicles have never been in a three wheeled vehicle with an adequate configuration to belay the majority of the concerns. With the proper set up, the 3-wheeled vehicle can provide the safety and stability as a typical car.
But that's just what research indicates. Nonetheless there will also be the doubters no matter how well the design gets.
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MattKelly 2:34PM (6/04/2008)
Hi Sebastian--I actually spoke with John last year and interviewed him your readers can learn more about his company by listening here: http://www.podtech.net/home/2398/the-defiant-predator
John is one of my heroes to be honest and i so applaud him for his vision and ability to bring it to reality.
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Das Boese 2:06PM (6/05/2008)
3 wheels are fine. If the suspension is well-designed, it's not significantly less stable than a 4-wheeler.
Just leave the VW beetle swing axles for the actual beetles ;D
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curbowman 6:47PM (6/05/2008)
I think this vehicle looks very similar to the Vigilante. Is there a connection? look at http://www.3wheelers.com/vigilante.html
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