New EESTOR Website from Zenn Motors

[Joshua Bretz]

http://www.zennergy.com/

[Altazi]

From the website's page on EESTOR:

This game-changing technology from EEStor is now in the advanced stages of commercialization.

If they are this far along, why don't we know more about their product? Why haven't we seen independent (or even their own) lab results showcasing what should be amazing performance?

If the EESU is such a revolutionary technology, I'm sure they have patents up the ying-yang. Can anyone explain what are the downsides, if any, of disclosing technical data or performance data, if EESTOR is this far along with their product?

[Joshua Bretz]

Maybe Lyle should email the contact listed on the web site if he has questions - Cscrimgeour atATat ZENNcars dotDOTdot com

[LampCord]

If you go to the drivetrain range link it says:

1) 0 emmisions
2) 400 km range
3) 125 km/hour top speed
4) 5 minute charge
5) Price competitive with equivalent ICE

1-3 seem reasonable.

4 surely isn't possible from standard house current but could be conceivable from specialized charging equipment.

5 - If this one is true we can consider the energy crisis over and we can all now dream of electric sheep.

Put me in the believe it when I see it camp on #5.

[jbc]

I am of the opinion that if this truly is a "game changing" technology. Why give anyone the chance to copy the tech or beat you to the market? Keeping it secret gives you and only you the chance to perfect your technology on your own terms. My guess is those that need to know....know and the rest of us will just have to keep second guessing them until it becomes public knowledge.

I see no reason to reveal what is happening behind the scenes until the product is ready for market.

[JoeReal]

If you go to the drivetrain range link it says:
4) 5 minute charge

4 surely isn't possible from standard house current but could be conceivable from specialized charging equipment.

Example of number 4 to be possible is that you have a twice capacity EESU unit in the service stations or in your garage. Wire to that EESU unit and instantly (5 minutes or less) divide its power by two to fully recharge your mobile EESU unit.

The stationary EESU unit will have to be trickle charged during off peak hours if you install that one in your garage.

Of course there are other options aside from this.

[JoeReal]

Also, with a twice capacity EESU unit in your garage, it will have remainder half the power after you instantly fill up your mobile EESU. That half the power can be used to feed the grid during peak hours and get mucho dinero if you are signed up with peak demand pricing. Then at night time, let it trickle charge to twice the capacity at very cheapo pricing.

[LampCord]

Example of number 4 to be possible is that you have a twice capacity EESU unit in the service stations or in your garage. Wire to that EESU unit and instantly (5 minutes or less) divide its power by two to fully recharge your mobile EESU unit.

The stationary EESU unit will have to be trickle charged during off peak hours if you install that one in your garage.

Of course there are other options aside from this.

Right, that's a good solution. However, it also means effectively doubling (or more) the cost since the EESU unit in your home would theoretically cost as much as the one in your car.

The faster charging time is nice but lets face it, with a 400 km range, one can much more easily live with an 8 hour recharge time than with a 40 mile range.

What really intrigues me is #5. If they really can make the drive system cost competitive with an ICE then the game is up.

Especially when one factors in the $7500 tax credit. It means electric cars would now be both cheaper to operate AND cheaper to purchase.

And THAT would change everything almost overnight...

[KariK]

Zenn is supposed to get a prototype EESU by the end of this year. Of course, a prototype does not need to be functional. It will be interesting to see what ZENN will actually receive, if anything.

[Altazi]

Zenn is supposed to get a prototype EESU by the end of this year. Of course, a prototype does not need to be functional. It will be interesting to see what ZENN will actually receive, if anything.

A non-functional prototype is called a "mechanical sample". IMO, a prototype should exhibit some basic functionality, however crude it may be.