Maker Faire Detroit 2010: EcoVElectric low speed electric vehicle
Filed under: EV/Plug-in
EcoVElectric LSEV – Click above for high-res image gallery
Richard Marks spent twenty-five years as an engineer at General Motors, finishing out his tenure there working on the EV1. Following the demise of that project, he went on to work for some suppliers before setting out to build a low-cost electric vehicle. It’s not clear who would win a drag race between Marks’ EcoV and Big Dog, but we’re guessing those pedaling the taller machine might have more fun.
While the EcoV isn’t likely to win any design competitions, it does embody the DIY spirit of Maker Faire. Marks has a partnership with automotive supplier Energy Components Group (ECG) of St. Clair, MI to produce the EcoV starting in early 2011. ECG has a facility in a renewable energy renaissance zone that will be reconfigured to produce this four-seat electric vehicle with a top speed of 25 miles per hour and a range of 25-40 miles. The tubular steel space frame carries a rack full of deep-cycle, sealed lead-acid batteries.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
GE Nighthawk 211-2NH/BP2 Automotive Replacement Bulbs, Pack of 2
GE Nighthawk 211-2NH/BP2 Automotive Replacement Bulbs, Pack of 2
- Ultra bright
- Ease the challenge of Night Driving
- Brighter vehicle signaling and interior courtesy lighting
- Street Legal Lighting
- Includes 2 Bulbs
Ultra Bright NIGHTHAWK. Drive with the confidence. Compared to GE standard automotive OEM bulbs, Nighthawk interior courtesy lighting and exterior signal lighting offer, on average, 20 percent additional brightness.
Covercraft ZCBL Car Cover Cable Lock Kit
Covercraft ZCBL Car Cover Cable Lock Kit
- Works on any brand of cover
- Vinyl-coated steel cable
- Padlock, non-scratch plastic snap-together grommets
- Iron-on reinforcing patches
Car Cover Cable Lock Kit
Incoming search terms:
- Covercraft ZCBL
Chevy Bowties Holographic Decal
Chevy Bowties Holographic Decal
- Self-adhesive decal
- Traditional silk screened and airburshed designs
- Easy application
Chevy Bowties Holographic Decal
Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Big Dog quadricycle
Filed under: Etc., Humor
Big Dog quadri-cycle – Click above for high-res image gallery
Friday afternoon, we had the opportunity to walk around the site of the first-ever Maker Faire Detroit while exhibitors were getting set up. Among the wheeled contraptions we encountered was the contraption you see above: the Big Dog. This human-powered conveyance was designed and built by Tom Wilson of Royal Oak, Michigan in his basement and garage. Big Dog is actually the third such vehicle Wilson has constructed, with his original inspiration coming from a similar device he saw at the Burning Man festival several years ago.
Looking closely at the 600-pound machine (which stands a towering eight feet, six inches tall), it’s clear that Wilson put serious thought and craftsmanship into it. Note the inboard-mounted rear disc brakes and the elaborate gear-change and chain mechanism. The centrally-mounted propane tanks are there to support the flame effects from the tower. We’ll add photos of that if we catch it being demonstrated this weekend.
Gallery: Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Big Dog
BMW to recall 5 Series GT (U.S)
BMW USA is to recall in excess of 6,000 2010 and 2011 5 Series GT built between 12th January – 1st July, due to a faulty fuel gauge. BMW owners are being cautioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the problem.
According to NHSTA, the 5 Series GT’s level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank. If this happens, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will display a larger amount of fuel than what’s in the actual tank.
BMW has not yet provided details on when the fix or notification schedule will take place. Concerned owners of the affected models can contact BMW on 1-800-525-7417.
Battery Tender 021-0144 Battery Tender Plus 6V Battery Charger
Battery Tender 021-0144 Battery Tender Plus 6V Battery Charger
- Spark proof and reverse polarity protected; unit includes a quick connect harness for use in hard to reach areas
- Perfect for all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and gel cell)
- Complete 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode) allows for optimization of battery power, without overcharging
- Automatically switches to float/maintenance voltage after fully charging the battery
- 10-year limited warranty
BatteryTender Plus is the most advanced charger/maintainer on the market especially designed for today’s sealed lead acid batteries. The BT Plus uses micro-processor technology in a four stage charging profile to charge, improve, and float your battery so it is ready when your are. Constant current charging and regulated voltage patterns allow the battery to be recharged fully and safely without the fear of overcharging. The Battery Tender Plus 6-volt/1.25-amp Battery Charger is the convenient
