Edison2 consumer prototype on the ground for successful first drive!
Friday, March 1, 2013 at 09:14AM
PROGRESS REPORT – 2013 Week 9 - 2/27/2013
A good week. The first VLC 4.0 rolling chassis stood on its wheels this Monday and has gained favourable responses for all who have seen and sat in it. In the hands of our founder, Oliver Kuttner, chassis #018 was driven for the first time today.
An extensive test program is being planned and will be under way in the next few days but early impressions gained in the Lynchburg shop parking lot are favourable. The car drives particularly smoothly and has already demonstrated much improved refinement from the competition cars.
It was gratifying that first-estimate spring and damper settings yielded excellent ride quality over rough blacktop. Suspension anti pitch vector action met design expectations and permitted full acceleration and hard use of the powerful new brakes while maintaining a nearly level attitude. This is an additional step forwards from the X-Prize cars.
From the absence of harshness transmitted to the main frame, the isolation function of the new compliant axle beam mounts appears successful. Although it is too early to say whether the mounts’ stability enhancement function is working as hoped, it is already fair to say they cause no harm.
While of course work remains to be done and matters arising will continue to emerge, a post-running inspection has turned up no problems worth the name. This is an encouraging start indeed for an entirely new car.
Next steps include beginning a ride, handling, motor control and regen strategy scan.
Reader Comments (4)
Way to go!!!! This is fantastic.
This is excellent! I am giving a talk on alternatively-fueled vehicles this week in China, and will be showcasing this car as an example of innovation in action. Thanks for your brilliance and courage!
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
I have very high hopes for this car. I have watched it since early on and I am excited about these developments. I only hope that my excitement will not disappear once the car reaches completion and is offered to the public. So many times before, I have been excited and ready for a vehicle to hit the streets only to be sorely disappointed at the powerplants offered. The United States pushes for gas, electric and gas/electric hybrids, leaving those of us, like me, who prefer diesel or diesel/electric hybrids on the wayside. A few more diesels have hit our markets, but it is a very, very slow process and I hope Edison2 won't leave us out of the loop - if Edison2 is even offered as more than a strictly electric vehicle.