Hello from Portland, Oregon!

[Deleted]

Hello Reverse-Trike enthusiasts,

I'm new here, and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Eric and I am working on a prototype electric vehicle (EV) called the "SPARC XEV" that is in the Reverse Trike configuration. Actually, I've been working on the vehicle for about 15 months (from initial design to current status).





The SPARC XEV isn't a production vehicle at this time. It's meant to be a technology test bed and my own personal vehicle. The goal is to have an affordable, highway capable (top speed ~75-80 mph - gearing limited), 50-100 mile range, two passenger 100% electric vehicle.

If you're interested, you can take a look at my website (www.xenopi.com) for more info about the SPARC (and other projects that I work on).

Have a nice day!

Eric

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Have you considered using front-wheel-drive?
The problem with rear-wheel-drive reverse trikes is the cg is in the incorrect location for controlling the steering wheels at any speed.

[Deleted]

Mar 23, 2010 14:38:30 GMT -5 Giovanni LiCalsi said:

Have you considered using front-wheel-drive?
The problem with rear-wheel-drive reverse trikes is the cg is in the incorrect location for controlling the steering wheels at any speed.

We briefly considered using front wheel drive but quickly discarded the idea because of complexity (both mechanical and electrical), and cost.

I don't quite understand your blanket statement about CG for rear wheel drive trikes. Our CG is located at approximately 60/40 weight distribution (front to rear). This will most likely move back when carrying a passenger by perhaps 10% (give or take), but that is hardly an "incorrect location for controlling the steering wheels at any speed."

Note: I should mention that the SPARC is designed to be a tilting vehicle - which changes the dynamic considerations and mechanical considerations tremendously.

Eric

*EDIT* Corrected slightly inaccurate weight distribution figure. It is 60/40. Which is not quite ideal, but still, pretty good IMHO.

[Tilting]

Tilting design changes the cg dynamics and is very smart in handling.This also takes full advantage of motorcycle parts.I am designing my reverse-trike with Ducati 1098 wheels,brakes and other parts but using FWD design with DP sportscar suspension.The rear will use 2 closely spaced Ducat wheels.This decision comes from the over 70 years of Morgan trike experience and catastrophic single rear tire blow-outs.This guaranteed to kill the driver at moderate speeds! This was also learned from the Dymaxion design.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Can we see a closeup image of the front suspension.Great design!

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2010 13:52:51 GMT -5 Giovanni LiCalsi said:

Can we see a closeup image of the front suspension.Great design!

Sorry for the delayed response. I haven't been good about dropping in to all the forums I'm on.

You can see more pics of the SPARC XEV at my website (www.xenopi.com). Please note that the front end is designed to convert from non-tilting configuration to tilting configuration.

Eric