Prius Not Your Thing? Meet The Electric Raptor
There seems to be a craze catching on with matching classic metal with modern, alternative power sources. I guess not everyone wants to drive a Smartcar or a Prius, but at the same time doesn’t want to pay for gas. That is the case of software engineer Raul Atkinson, who finally decided that since nobody made an electric car he would want to drive, he’d simply build one himself.
Of course, it couldn’t look like an electric car. We are all entitled to our opinions, but I still live in America, home of the muscle car, luxury SUVs, and a seemingly endless series of scenic roads. So Atkinson’s idea of dumping an electric powerplant into a Daytona kit car is not only appealing, but downright sexy…in an Earth-friendly way.
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The project took 2 years and an estimated 2000 hours to complete, but the results are pretty impressive. Using a 3-phase AC induction motor and 290 nickel-hydride batteries, Atkinson’s “Raptor” reaches 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 100 mph. Maximum range is about 80 miles, with a full recharge taking just 3 hours. That is much less time spent recharging than most other production electric cars can boast.
The price is about $85,000, less than most comparable two-seat electric cars already on the market. You also have to realize that includes the price of a ‘65 Shelby Daytona kit car. A rolling chassis alone can cost upwards of $65,000 (depending on the manufacturer), so this car could concievably be mass-produced at a much lower price. That is, of course, once it passes NHTSA safety standards, crash testing, and all that other good stuff.
Still, another step in the right direction if you ask me. Someone get this guy a factory! And somebody who gots to the fair get me some pictures under the hood as well. The Raptor debuts at the Marin County Fair this weekend in San Rafeal, CA.
Source: NBC Bay Area
That is a pretty car, though I am a fan of the new solar roof Prius…
It’s a nice vehicle, but comparing it to a Tesla it still falls short. The Tesla has 3 times the range, so of course it will take longer to fully recharge. The Tesla is also twice as fast 0-60, and has a higher top speed of 125. The Tesla has also passed crash testing, which I doubt this kit car could do.
You might want to check out Michael Kadie’s SSI racing Daytona coupe. He has been doing the same thing for quite some time and drag races his with success.
ssi-racing.com
The Electricnick.com team.
As mentioned I’ve had my car on the road for 2.5 years. It is setup as a racer 0-60 in 3.0, 140-150 mph top speed. Uses lithium batteries and therefore cost $120,000 full custom car. We are planning on being up that way July 21 or 22.
Michael “TRex” Kadie
Yawn…give me a reliable Prius any day of the week over such custom cars.