Some new CAD drawings!

[Derwin]

Ben just sent me some new CAD drawings of the Dagne.

I find these to be very interesting.

What do you think?

Derwin

[jeremymc7]

Absolutely awesome. Hopefully the next 1-3 years of my life "fly" by as I wait for the production version.

=)

[ziggy951]

Sweet Jebus...here comes a new can of worms LOL


Z

[Derwin]

Sweet Jebus...here comes a new can of worms LOL

?? What am I missing, zig?

Derwin

[ziggy951]

Joke about the "recall" antics we have endured in the recent past :)


Z

[WarpedOne]

I must not look at these pics as I might start stealing ideas :shup:

Seriously though, those specs are not to be taken too seriously. I'm afraid 10 kWh battery pack will take quite some more space than pictured on that first picture. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about :)

Nevertheless, this vehicle needs to see the light of day, even if somewhat changed.

[wireman]

Yessir W1!

Guys, he definitely knows whereof he speaks, and not only that but, unless they plan on using a mini-turbine genset, they're not going to get 15Kw under that passenger seat either! And yet, I still agree that this vehicle needs to be, ASAHP!

[TazmanianKoala]

I like the basic drawings. Although I'm not sure how the tilting mechanism works.
The design looks promising, to say the least.
I sure hope to see the Dagne once in real life.

[Ben Werner]

I'd like to address the questions related to the feasibility of packaging in the Dagne proof-of-concept design. Concerning the 10kWh battery, the LiPo chemistry we intend to use from Electrovaya provides an energy density of 240Wh/L. Such a battery pack fits in a volume of 15cm x 30cm x 1m, which I'm sure you would agree fits within the floor volume of the chassis in the images. There is room leftover for packaging, cooling, battery management system, and charger. The 15kW (+) genset Dagne is designed for fits in a volume of approximately 1 cubic foot. There is sufficient room for this unit under the rear seat, allowing for air cooling, and a 4-gallon gas tank.

Needless-to-say, the images we are sharing are for the proof-of-concept only. Although the proportions are close to what we will end up producing, the structural details will be completely redesigned.

[Ben Werner]

One more thing - we have no problem with folks using these images or others we share in the future for home projects (understanding that we bear no liability for damage folks might cause themselves :) )

Of course if you intend to make a commercial venture based in this stuff (which we are happy to share because we've already patented it) then we'll need to talk :)

[AKP23]

I am SO much more a Dagne fan than I once was. I'm sorry, Persu might beat them to the road, but I am really getting to like the Dagne and willing to wait for it.:whoohoo:

[Derwin]

One more thing - we have no problem with folks using these images or others we share in the future for home projects (understanding that we bear no liability for damage folks might cause themselves :) ). Of course if you intend to make a commercial venture based in this stuff (which we are happy to share because we've already patented it) then we'll need to talk :)

Wow! Now that's a rational and reasonable offer coming from a man that certainly is operating with a great deal of "common sense" that I wish would be demonstrated by others!

Thanks, Ben. I know I speak for all the members in the club by saying we appreciate your interaction with us VERY much!

Derwin

[WarpedOne]

Concerning the 10kWh battery, the LiPo chemistry we intend to use from Electrovaya provides an energy density of 240Wh/L
240Wh/L? Wow, I need to look if I can also buy those :)
SkyEnergy's 40Ah cells are only about 130Wh/L

[wireman]

WHOA! Well Ben, you knocked my socks off with that one! I'm familiar with the LiPo from Kokam, but their package isn't nearly that small at that energy density. I'm with Warped One. If I could get these, packaged in a cooling frame, with a BMS and charger, my project would be designed already. You've got me believing that Dagne really IS comeing to our driveways, when the funding allows.

And "KUDOS" to you from me, as well, for addressing the concerns of the fans/ customers here at FTRC. Derwin is totally right in his statement that your actions and enthusiasm are representative of the way we expected to be treated by Persu. I will be honest, and say that I prefer the 1F2R tilt design, but you have a very good chance of changing my mind, as we continue our relationship with you and RM. Success to you and your team!

S.D.H.

[Jack Willard]

Ben just sent me some new CAD drawings of the Dagne.

I find these to be very interesting.

What do you think?

Derwin

Alright!, something to get jazzed about again! 2thumb:up And... Ben Werner is talking/sharing with us! cool:thu:mb1 Now THAT takes me back to when I first got jazzed up about the VentureOne, when Ian was sharing with us. It was that whole innovative concept of interacting with the prospective customer base that MADE ME HAVE TO GET ON BOARD with that company! And then... it all went to $..t. :(

Ben, let me just say that it IS the interaction, the "what do you think about this?", the BEING PART of the design team (sort of), that gets the customer (well, at least us) SO HOOKED on a company that it is extremely difficult to lose them.

It can be done (losing them). Venture Vehicles (now Persu Mobility) sure has. I mean... they HAD US... and then some marketing idiot, or funding partner, or whomever, made the most stupid decision ever and absolutely DROVE US away by their actions and inactions. :mad:

Ben, I was completely stuck on the 1F2R design. That is, until I saw these pictures of the Peugeot "Li-ion":

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=903&stc=1&d=1248183003

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=904&stc=1&d=1248183003

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=905&stc=1&d=1248183003

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=906&stc=1&d=1248183003

Now THAT vehicle design has the hottest, sexiest look, that my whole outlook changed. I "could" get excited, really excited, about a 2F1R vehicle! Boy, if the Dagne looked like THAT, or just incorporated a fair amount of that styling, you would have me wanting to wait for your vehicle, even if the Persu came to market first. What are the chances? You know that us guys get totally hooked instantly when we see something that really gets us excited, right?

[MarkH]

Wow. That is cool. Is it just a styling exercise?

[Derwin]

Wow. That is cool. Is it just a styling exercise?

Regretfully, I would think it is just another example of another vehicle we will NEVER see on the road!

I've seen designs like this for years, and they never actually get produced.

The closest any company has ever come is the T-Rex, which is actually very cool, but extremely expensive....

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Derwin

[jeremymc7]

The closest any company has ever come is the T-Rex, which is actually very cool, but extremely expensive....
Derwin

T-Rexx is $50k+ new. So yes kind of pricey. Of course you can always get the VTR Kit version for MUCH less and do the jigsaw puzzle yourself.

[Ben Werner]

All,

Thanks for letting me know you appreciate my responses. Its definitely worth the effort to see people amped about our vehicle and company :)


Jack,

Thanks for sharing the Li-Ion photos - I hadn't seen that one before. I'd say it's got a solid, aggressive, sporty look.

One of the things we're trying to accomplish with Dagne's styling is to appeal to a broad market of commuters including women. In our initial market research we've found that women tend to value a sense of safety and security, so we want Dagne's design to convey that. Obviously we also want to convey the amazing driving performance and experience as well. I think BMW styling is a good example of conveying solid performance along with safety and security (BMW has lots of female drivers as well as male). What do you guys think of this approach? Are there any female members on FTRC who could weigh in?

The current styling concept for Dagne is just an initial one. There will be changes and we want to incorporate all feedback as best as we can during the design process.

[Necoras]

My preference is something close to a jet design, or something based on biology. I'm a fan of Colani's vehicle designs. I think working towards something that looks solid and safe while still maintaining a small drag profile is the way to go.

Also, the basic idea of a 2 seater car is mildly antithetical to women. When I first pointed out the Persu vehicle to my wife I got a "well that's cool, but where will I put the kids/groceries/luggage/etc." response. I really think the reason that the US started buying huge cars was because of people wanting to fit their entire family into their cars while going shopping, and doing errands. A soccer mom is probably not your main demographic.

[rickb]

Ben..............anything that is based on a BMW approach would be top notch styling and performance appealing to a very broad market. I bet Dagne will be pleased with both her inner and outer beauty. Also, we Dagne fans will certainly offer our constructive opinions as her final look takes shape. I would like to see that process start as soon as possible with some 3D Imaging while asking for club member input.

[Ben Werner]

We will share the design process for Dagne on this forum as it evolves and take advantage of any feedback as we converge on a final design

[Derwin]

We will share the design process for Dagne on this forum as it evolves and take advantage of any feedback as we converge on a final design


Ben....That is FANTASTIC! And it's really a HUGE reason that so many people got so very excited about the Persu Hybrid. At the time, they were interacting with people like us, and we all really LOVED it.

It will be good to see that interaction take place on a regular basis between you and club members as you continue to make progress.

Derwin