Electric Elan

Post by: **elanfan1** » Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:20 am

Bit of a tangent but I wonder who will be first to put a hydrogen fuel cell in an Elan?

Post by: **LotusElon** » Sat Jun 20, 2020 4:34 pm

elanfan1 wrote:Bit of a tangent but I wonder who will be first to put a hydrogen fuel cell in an Elan?

Colin definitely a would frown as its highly inefficient both producing the hydrogen and in converting it back to electric or useful energy.

Hydrogen has its uses: storing otherwise waste Night time grid electric energy. And where weight and volume are not an issue eg Trains, Trucks and buses.

Environmentally produced methane gas or bio fuel may be a useful stepping stone. But 'burning stuff' will eventually need to be outlawed.

But hey, what do I know - I'm already an electric outlier :mrgreen:

Post by: **Andy8421** » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:40 am

Having spent quite some time researching this, apart from the problems with production, cost, distribution, storage and efficiency, what has hydrogen ever done for us? (with apologies to Monty Python).

Hydrogen does start to just about make sense for large energy intensive applications where the weight of the storage containers isn't an issue. Cryo storage of hydrogen avoids large, heavy high pressure vessels, but comes with its own laundry list of issues.

https://www.rechargenews.com/transition/world-s-first-liquid-hydrogen-fuel-cell-cruise-ship-planned-for-norway-s-fjords/2-1-749070

My own view is that hydrogen fuel cells can't compete with batteries for automotive applications.

Post by: **LotusElon** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:12 pm

For more about Classics, The future and Electrification .. Top Gear's Chris Harris talks EVs with Graeme Cooper from the UK National Grid.

"IS THERE ENOUGH JUICE?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaE57tC ... el=TopGear
Brilliant myth busting - bottom line - we have a future

Lotus Elon in front of its own private oil well and refinery :lol:

AKA Solar PV Panels .. which give upto 100 free miles a day. https://mas-design.com/lotus-elon/

Post by: **LotusElon** » Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:16 pm

Got Interviewed By Ashton Kirby - about Elon
Lotus Elon

Fun lockdown project and hopefully EV mythbuster.
https://youtu.be/OCH5-DuCY1U

Post by: **Elanman68** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:21 am

Really enjoyed that, thanks for linking it here. Recognised many of the locations as I'm also in Dorset. Am intrigued and musing whether this is a route I want to go?

Post by: **LotusElon** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:50 am

Elanman68 wrote:Really enjoyed that, thanks for linking it here. Recognised many of the locations as I'm also in Dorset. Am intrigued and musing whether this is a route I want to go?

Hey I thought Dorset was a bit of an Elan wasteland

I love chatting Elans and Lotus of all flavours (owned a lot) . Lock down excepting, come on over and have drive - then report back -I'd be interested in other views.

Post by: **Elanman68** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 2:32 pm

Thanks very much, I'd be delighted to once able. I'll PM you my details.

Post by: **lowflyer** » Mon Nov 23, 2020 4:11 pm

I just found this thread and wanted to congratulate Mark on his efforts! I've been following the progress on Instagram and it's certainly got me interested too.

The Hyper 9 is a great solution in the existing chassis but there packaging challenges with using a conventional transmission set-up. I noticed that RBW are using the Continental system (from the Renault ZOE?) in their MGB conversions. It's very compact, with direct drive and opens up alternative layout possibilities.

See https://youtu.be/O3KmcAO5Xmc?t=624

Post by: **The Veg** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:07 pm

Wow, never seen the RBW before but I love it! ...well, except for the 80 mph top speed. :cry:

Post by: **Quart Meg Miles** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 11:02 pm

Not much MGB about it, horrible lower rear wishbones and awful weight at the back. Geared for 80 mph!

It makes the Elon design look really elegant and it's still a real sports car. How much modification to the original chassis is needed to get the bits in, Mark? In other words, how easily could it be turned into a conversion kit?

Post by: **lowflyer** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 5:30 pm

Re: my previous comment about packaging I notice that Zero EV have an inline reduction gearbox that enables the Hyper 9 to fit further down the transmission tunnel, in their case in an MX5. They even kept the weight distribution balance.

It's all in the next installment of The Late Brake Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZws7kE3U5k&t=251s

Post by: **LotusElon** » Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:43 pm

More marmite anyone ? :lol:

'LotusElon' Got the Collecting Cars Video treatment

First some 'before' images : car rusting quietly for 20+ years in the back of Miles Wilkins workshop (next to a tasty Elite) .... Judging by the rust a leaky workshop or a spell outside :-)