VIDEO: 225 mpg DIY diesel hybrid on the road, kit version coming
Robert Q. Riley has finished designing and building his XR3 diesel hybrid prototype and now says, "Its your turn!". Yes, with a few simple tools and plans purchased from Mr. Riley, you too can (eventually) cruise the highways in your very own XR3. Engineered to travel 40 miles with lithium ion batteries powering the back wheel before switching on the Kubota diesel engine that power the fronts, the XR3 is said by its maker to get 225 mpg. The beauty of a DIY project like this is that you can do a lot of tweaking. That diesel motor could just as easily be made to run on WVO or some other biofuel. Of course, you could forgo the combustion engine (and tractor sound) altogether and add more batteries. Likewise, you can save a big chunk of the initial cost and only install the diesel.
If the thought of doing all that fiberglass work and metal fabrication seems a little daunting for your mechanical skill level, we have good news for you. During a recent interview on EVcast, the designer/engineer let slip that RQR Enterprises is now working with a kit car company to supply the some of the more difficult bits to save you time and a lot of swearing effort. Of course, you'll still have to add lots of parts yourself but if it came completely assembled you'd miss out on that extra bit of pride that comes from completing a project of this type. Mr. Riley estimates it may cost upwards of $25,000 to build the whole kit and kaboodle on your own. Hit the jump for video of the XR3 on the streets.
Gallery: XR3 In Progress pics
Gallery: XR3 Completed
[Source: Robert Q. Riley Enterprises]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ale 1:01PM (8/16/2008)
first impression:
"that looks as fugly as _ _ _ _"
I guess the future has come back...
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hmmm, why don't they enter the X-prize? 100 mil up for grabs. This would be right on par with other competitors, though i have to say the Aptera would be some tough competition, they look pretty fierce. ;)
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Chris M 3:10PM (8/16/2008)
Yeah, it is a bit homely, with that funny looking proboscus on the hood.
Still better looking than the Zap Alias, though.
floorman56 4:52PM (8/18/2008)
hmmm, why don't they enter the X-prize?
Offhand because it probably won’t meet some other standers that the x-prize requires
Result in real cars available for purchase, not concept cars
Result in a new generation of super-efficient and desirable mainstream vehicles that people want to buy
super-efficient vehicles that meet market needs for price, size, capability, image, safety and performance.
The biggest part of the X-prize that people forget is marketability A family of 4 is not going to drop $25,000 on a car that only 2 can ride in
Super Soul 5:15PM (8/16/2008)
Are you serious? First show me some good old USA EPA certs. After that, I'd like to know what kind of MPG the Kubota diesel mill would give me without all that expensive green shit. Dispensing with those heavy batteries and electric motors, I'd expect similar mileage and much less cost.
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Shadyman 10:06PM (8/16/2008)
Because we all believe the mileage the EPA certs state.
justinegarvin 3:51PM (8/29/2009)
true. I mean really. $7500 for batteries that are dangerous batteries anyway. Why not save the weight and be happy with the fact that you can just use pig guts or make a stop at Long John Silvers and get enough fuel to go cross country.
Bro Grimm 6:24PM (8/16/2008)
You know, one of the projects I want to do is to take an old Isuzu NA diesel out of one of those P'ups or a Chevy Luv, and stuff it into a tiny car like a MG Midget. We had a NA diesel P'up, and it averaged as low as 45mpg, and as high as 57. With a rebuild (ours had about 400,000mi on the clock), tuned up, and a much lighter, possible more aerodynamic vehicle to push around, I could see 60+ easily.
Maybe a Nissan/Datsun 180Z or something similar, still light and small but with a roof. If it all worked out, I'd like to be able to drive it in all weather conditions. :P
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Mike!!ekiM 10:30PM (8/16/2008)
I'd like to see an EV only version.
Who needs the weight of a diesel and a gas tank!
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vmrod 7:32AM (8/18/2008)
I'm building an all-electric version. No hood thingy either! I wanna make the front look more like my Saturn Sky anyway.
The_Steven 12:12PM (8/17/2008)
RQR ?!?!?!
I'm still waiting for a serious go at his Slalom32 project!
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Daryl 5:31PM (12/02/2009)
Yawn... Next...
My ex500 gets 50 mpg when I ride it at 55 mph. Of course I normally ride it at about 75 - 80 where it gets 42-45 mpg... Which still beats the insight and the prius...
That and it just puts a smile on my face when I slow down next to a prius driver, wave bye, bye, and leave him cursing himself for buying that slow piece of junk...
I think my next bike will be a CBR600RR, since it's fuel injected...
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