Plug-in hybrid Can-Am Spyder in the works

[DarthRider]

test delete

[Sir Limpsalot]

That's very interesting. I'm forced to wonder if they've researched the market thoroughly? There is plainly a need for more efficient transportation - hey! that used to be motorcycles, before the "high performance at any price" mindset took over - but for "leisure and pleasure" vehicles? I somehow doubt it..

[Donson]

They can"minimize aerodynamic drag" all they want. Plop an Un-aerodynamic Human on its saddle and numbers go out the window. A range of (20 miles) in electric mode. Yikes! By the time they get to final production units, it will cost as much as a very nice car.
I dont get it, except a research-dollars tax write off. I have to admit I am not a fan of the Spyder, Gas or Hybrid. Never ridden one. If the stability of four wheels is desired, get a car.
The riders exposure to the elements is the same as on two wheels. The riders exposure to collision, or loss of control is the same as on two wheels.
I suppose all this research will pay off, way down the road. As long as they are spending that much research money, I want one of those Flying Garbage Cans that Dick Tracy had.
I would buy one of those!

[DarthRider]

That's very interesting. I'm forced to wonder if they've researched the market thoroughly? There is plainly a need for more efficient transportation - hey! that used to be motorcycles, before the "high performance at any price" mindset took over - but for "leisure and pleasure" vehicles? I somehow doubt it..

Si, my "take away" from the article was not that they are building the hybrid Spyder for market so much as researching & developing technology & integrated technologies for future hybrid markets. The Spyder was chosen because it is the only 100% Canadian road vehicle.
I usually only post links to Gizmag articles on motorcycles & related, but the newsletters are full of a huge number of companies developing alternative fuels/alternative technologies for all kinds of cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, ATVs, motorcycles...and race vehicles of many types.

[JCsman]

The CO2 goal leaves me cold (pun intended) as does the complexity/cost and weight of the dual propulsion system.

But, if the are able to match current performance and "give the vehicle a total range of 600 km (375 miles)" that would be impressive.

Hmmm, just did a search. The article said the Spyder has a 7.1 gal tank - wow, seems a biggie - I thought it was less. At 35 mpg (who knows?) that's about 250 miles. If it can get 40 mpg that gives you 284 miles.

In that light, the 375 mile range seems a more reasonable goal.

I'll look at a trike of some sort if I reach the point where I can't hold up a two-wheel vehicle.

Maybe a Twike - if I can talk Judy into doing the pedaling.

http://www.twike.com/files/twike-info_en_web.pdf