Ideas for the FFV:
The FFV is the 21st Century version of the Land Rover, designed to function on all terrains (from mud roads to crumbling superhighways), while sipping fuel.
It is hyperlightweight, built from some combination of aluminum, titanium, molecularly-fabricated stainless steel, polymer, ceramic and carbon fiber. Total weight not to exceed 500 lbs (If you're going to dream, dream BIG :-) ).
It is more of a powerplant platform, than a vehicle as we currently understand vehicles.
It is NOT built for speed, and it functions as a tractor.
It has the simplest possible design.
It functions as a wagon when/if necessary. It is so lightweight that it can be pushed by people, or pulled by horses, dogs, goats, etc. If fuel runs out, the powertrain can be removed to further lighten the vehicle.
There are several very simple powertrain options for this vehicle. Each can be installed or removed by someone with a minimum of mechanical knowledge, in a short amount of time. The basic powertrain consists of a generater, a battery pack, and one or more electric motors. One electric motor can be installed to power either the front or rear wheels, or two motors can be installed, for 4-wheel drive. Another option is to have the electric motors installed in the wheel hubs themselves. This way 1-to-4 motors can be in use at any time, depending on the energy and terrain requirements. If weight is a huge factor, some of the motors can be removed. A photovoltaic ragtop, and portable wind turbines, can be used to charge the battery pack. The battery pack can be expanded or decreased as needed.
The FFV is the 21st Century version of the Land Rover, designed to function on all terrains (from mud roads to crumbling superhighways), while sipping fuel.
It is hyperlightweight, built from some combination of aluminum, titanium, molecularly-fabricated stainless steel, polymer, ceramic and carbon fiber. Total weight not to exceed 500 lbs (If you're going to dream, dream BIG :-) ).
It is more of a powerplant platform, than a vehicle as we currently understand vehicles.
It is NOT built for speed, and it functions as a tractor.
It has the simplest possible design.
It functions as a wagon when/if necessary. It is so lightweight that it can be pushed by people, or pulled by horses, dogs, goats, etc. If fuel runs out, the powertrain can be removed to further lighten the vehicle.
There are several very simple powertrain options for this vehicle. Each can be installed or removed by someone with a minimum of mechanical knowledge, in a short amount of time. The basic powertrain consists of a generater, a battery pack, and one or more electric motors. One electric motor can be installed to power either the front or rear wheels, or two motors can be installed, for 4-wheel drive. Another option is to have the electric motors installed in the wheel hubs themselves. This way 1-to-4 motors can be in use at any time, depending on the energy and terrain requirements. If weight is a huge factor, some of the motors can be removed. A photovoltaic ragtop, and portable wind turbines, can be used to charge the battery pack. The battery pack can be expanded or decreased as needed.
Cruising speed for the FFV is significantly slower than we are used to, because optimal fuel efficiency is found at roughly 40 mph.
The FFV is an ongoing thought project. More to come later.
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