Barefoot Motors electric ATV

[graham]

Behold the Tesla of All-Terrain Vehicles | Autopia from Wired.com

Do you know the mpg rating of your ATV? Well . . . do you? That's the question they're asking at Barefoot Motors, the makers of the all-electric Model One ATV.

The Answer: Due to a lack of restrictions, an ATV can have an mpg rating not much higher than and be as polluting (if not more) as your average car. That is until now. . .

The all-electric Model One's chassis is based on that of a conventional gas-powered Polaris ATV. The engine, tranny and fuel tank, however, have all been replaced with a compact 3.3 lithium iron phosphate battery and an AC/DC propulsion motor. Actually,make that two motors---one that uses AC for the wheels in the front and one for the wheels in back that uses DC. Working together the two motors are capable of generating 55hp and an impressive 105 ft-lbs of torque.

 

[doug]

And the purpose to two different drive systems is.... ?

 

[JRP3]

DC in the rear for high startup torque, AC up front for greater speed and regen, all wheel drive without driveshafts and transfer case?

 

[Mycroft]

Get ready for more ATVs and snowmobiles.

From American Machinist: Polaris Expanding Electric Drivetrain Technologies, EV Offerings - Oct 28, 2011.

ATV builder Polaris Industries Inc. is investing in a manufacturer of electric vehicles with an eye toward adopting some of its electric drivetrain technology for its power-sports vehicles, which also includes snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric vehicles. The value and percentage of the transaction were not announced, though Polaris called it a minority stake.

 

[TEG]

Polaris to invest in EV technology developer Brammo - Automotive Business Review

 

[vfx]

barefoot closed

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2010/10/barefoot-motors-to-close-in-ashland.html