How I Found the V-1, and Why I Was Looking

[RAN]

This thread was suggested by one of our newest members, ev_Commuter, and we thought it was a good idea to see just how many paths actually led to us finding our way to the V-1, and ultimately to this club forum. Here's mine:

Last year, I was searching for other sources of car news, having grown tired of the usual online car mags (you know the ones I mean... they all publish monthly magazines). I was also tired of the same old high performance, gas guzzling yadda yadda. I was tired of the stranglehold oil had us under. I was tired of all the pollution it causes. I found Autoblog, and at the bottom of their opening articles they listed stories from their spin-off site Autobloggreen. At the time I was interested in diesels, and biodiesel as a way of cutting our dependence on foreign oil.

As I started reading all the articles on Autobloggreen, a whole new world opened up in front of my eyes. There was an article on the Aptera, talking about a hybrid electric that was in my mind a true green hybrid as the only source of motive power was an electric motor; the (at the time) diesel engine existed only to charge the batteries. I read the comments for that article, and someone there mentioned the Venture V-1 and supplied a link. As happened to most of us when we saw the V-1, I was immediately attracted to the whole concept - tilting and banking for stability, good performance, and it also had a real hybrid drivetrain, 100mpg, and then I saw the price! All this for $20-25K? Sign me up!

There are now a wealth of new vehicles on the drawing boards and in various stages of development that could change the world of personal transportation in a few short years (or long ones, for those of us who know and want and wait...), and the V-1 is certainly one of the most desirable of them. This club is a great way of keeping up with many of the changes going on in the world of green cars in general, and the V-1 in particular.

So.... what path brought YOU to the V-1???

[CelticFlyer]

I explained my rationale in an earlier post, so here is a reiteration:

A coworker mentioned the VentureOne to me one day, and I Googled it out of curiosity. Needless to say, my interest was piqued!

AND...

I recently picked up a copy of Ron Gogan's GREEN CAR JOURNAL. It's a quarterly magazine that reviews planet-friendly alternative modes of transportation, and their related technologies. It's an interesting read. No big deal, right?

Well it is if you all knew me better! Until recently, I was a hard-core muscle car fanatic. And those vehicles are not green and their owners typically don't give a hoot about the environment. In fact, many of them have contempt for anyone suggesting their rides are detrimental to our home planet.

Some may argue that I sold my '07 Mustang GT because of the sheer economics; that gas, insurance, and the cost of modifications were putting a hurting on me. Or that I caved in because of the political strife associated with our dependence on foreign oil, and the blood that's been spilled for it's acquisition. Perhaps all of these played a factor in my decision to sell my car and leave the hobby. However, it all boiled down to reassessing my wants and needs, and deciding that it was simply the right thing to do. I didn't exactly have an epiphany. It was more of a process of thought that led to my decision. I grew tired of the incessant blather being spewed by the muscle car crowd. (Hardly cerebral and definitely counter-productive.) And I grew anxious by the thoughts of committing more and more financial resources to the upkeep and enhancement of my car. In the end, the joy of ownership had simply evaporated. I guess I'm just not interested any more. I briefly flirted with the idea of getting a Jeep so I could go camping virtually anywhere and anytime, but then reality set in: that vehicle uses more gas and pollutes the air even more than the Mustang! So, I weighed my options and decided to get nothing. At least not right away...

Now I take the bus to work (a natural gas powered bus, btw) and get everywhere else on foot. It's not so bad; I live downtown, so many things are easily within walking distance...bars, restaurants, shopping malls, retail stores are conveniently nearby. I do have my groceries delivered, though. I just couldn't bring myself to lug them fifteen blocks from the nearest supermarket!

By no means did I mention any of this to assume an air of superiority over my former peers, or to stroke my own ego for making a wise decision. I just wanted to describe the process by which I went from being a muscle car fanatic to a green car enthusiast. I must admit that I feel better knowing that my carbon footprint has been reduced, and that I will continue to be aware of my own impact on the Earth. I mean, it's your home too!

Now I'm waiting for the VentureOne. It represents the best of both worlds; a sporty compact car AND an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation.

Pardon the double-post, but there was no better way to describe the process by which I was introduced to the VentureOne and the underlying desire to own one. ;)

[cpaddock]

Ditto Celtic Flyer's double post from the "change of heart" thread.....
My path to the V1 doorstep was initiated by my involvement in the creation (on-going)
of my personal submersible sport sub.....an EV if ever there was one. I started looking
at EV's on line and found the E max electric scooter and discovered a dealer on Maui!
Bought it right away and was starting to enjoy it, but the hurdle of safely transporting my constant canine companion finally convinced me to give it up. Anyway, it was too
small, underpowered and the charger kept burning up. Sold it. I also got very excited about the Vectrix, for a while. Then my brother sent me a photo of the aftermath of a motorcycle crash ....seems the dude hit a tree going 175 mph. He was wearing a helmet.
But that was the only thing left in one piece. Like Ran, discovered the Aptera which led to the V1. It was love at first sight and I haven't looked back!
Aloooooha!

[Hwy1rnr]

(I expect to see a lot of congruity in this thread!)

I've always been into vehicles - cars, motorcycles, aircraft - have enjoyed a variety of each, and have often bought the latest thing.

Looking to reduce my consumption of fossil fuels and generation of pollutants, I starting driving a 2001 Prius as soon as it came to the US. Replaced that one with an '05 when the newer model came out. Great cars with better acceleration and handling than most people realize (as the drivers of "performance" cars on NorCal's Hwy 128 have found out when I've spanked them in the twisties).

So, there I am, ready for the next step and doing research - online, of course. I was considering the idea of a three-wheeler that qualified as a 'cycle to reduce operating expenses and allow use of the HOV lanes. I'm finding all the usual we'll-turn-your-Goldwing-into-a-trike when...what's this? The VentureOne?! WOW! Green, fast, fun, sexy, and a reasonable pricetag? I'm in love. How did you know what I would want before I did? As RAN said, sign me up!

And I have to wait HOW LONG?? As a Californian, I vote most heartily for the talked-about initial deliveries to the Golden State! I offer my services to support any possible reduction in that waiting period: focus group member, QA analyst, videographer, company pilot, doorstop, or enthusiastic spokesperson and deliverer of massive amounts of <insert desired food and beverages here>.

[nvrblu]

I've been out of work for 7 months. I had just gone for an interview about 35 miles from my home where I ran into a former co-worker. He had just started working there and had a long commute. He mentioned he was going to check on Prius prices later that day.

That seemed like a good idea so I decided to search for a vehicle more fuel-efficient than anything I currently drive (15 mpg, 22 mpg, and 30 mpg). In Arizona, some "alternative fuel" vehicles may use HOV lanes, so I decide to search for a hybrid.

In my search, I discovered the V1. I had seen the Carver on TV a few times before then. While I was watching the videos again on the internet, there was a big grin on my face... looks like fun, can save $$$, and has a smaller carbon footprint. Those three reasons are why I'm interested in the V1.

I'm not sure if I really want the attention that driving such a vehicle would draw, but that would be a small price to pay ;)

[MVRacing]

Ok, ok ... I'm in :) Similar to Hwy1rnr, I've always been a performance vehicle/sports car guy. Currently race an 1100lb formula Mazda in SCCA (see avitar).

Was tired of getting 12mpg (or less) in my tow vehicle (Chev ck1500), so bought a Miata for daily driving. At the same time I looked at the Prius and internet for alternatives. Enter Autobloggreen.com .... I'm looking at plug in conversions for the Prius and mods that have been done to Honda Insights.

There is really nothing out there I can buy right now, and most manufactures are saying 5 years ... then I stumble across the Venture Vehicles V1. Love at first sight ... quick and nimble like my formula car, but I get to drive it on the street everyday!!!

Just not sure how long I can wait!!! :rolleyes: I haven't felt like this since I was a kid at Christmas time.

I also would do anything asked to support VV, especially if it would help speed the day when I have one in my garage.

[CelticFlyer]

Me too! I think everyone here would be more than happy to do whatever was possible to make the V1 a reality. Perhaps the simplest thing we can do is to raise awareness of the project. In the short time I've known about the VentureOne, I've encountered a few nay-sayers whose pessimism is a bit disheartening. Unfortunately, it's an indicator of how hard we've got to work to make alternative fueled vehicles seem like viable modes of transportation to the masses. Fortunately, the economic reality of NOT buying something cleaner and more fuel efficient is starting to work in our favor.

I'd suggest something as simple as wearing a Fly The Road cap or t-shirt. Pique people's curiosity. Educate the masses. Express enthusiasm for the prospect of owning one of these fantastic vehicles. Encourage them to consider one for themselves. Do the soft sell by showing how much everyone's got to gain by owning one.

[MVRacing]

Hey Celtic,
I agree the best way is to spread the word.

However, ordered my t-shirts and hat 2/24 and still haven't seen them yet. Credit to Derwin...ordered coffee mugs the same day and had them in 3 days.

[PHEVadvocate]

I have three hats that I use, FlytheRoad.com, Tesla Motors, and Plug-in America.=y:

I also have a couple of Hybrid shirts, incluing a DUMP THE PUMP one!

[CelticFlyer]

Oh yeah, I forgot the mug. That's even better, since you can start up a conversation with folks on your coffee break.

Cool mug, too. ;) I'll probably order at least one this week.

[Mark Tomlinson]

My path to V1 is long and convoluted. I'll gloss over the details. Suffice to say, I've always been interested in my carbon footprint, even before it was called a 'carbon footprint'.

I started looking into biodiesel when VW was still offering a diesel Passat and diesel fuel was still cheaper than gasoline. That lead to diesel-from-garbage, Magnagas, ethanol, Mixalco, and the lot.

From there I started picking up on new engine designs - the MYT, the Quasiturbine, the Star Rotor, etc.

Eventually that lead me to the Aptera and Tesla Motors. From there it was a short hop to Venture Vehicles. Suddenly I went, "Bingo!" This is the vehicle for me.

[RAN]

Note: if you play Mark's post at 33 1/3, you'll hear........... "The Rest of the Story" =D

[Bulldog]

I learned of the Venture after I saw 2 Carver's in Gunnison Colorado at the KOA campground a couple of years ago. I immediately started searching and found the Venture. The people in the Carver's were about the rudest people I have met in my 54 years of life too! They didn't even want anyone looking at them, and when asked a question or two of them they just walked away. Oh well, they were soooooo cool to follow down the highway, outside Gunnison the roads get very windy and are a lot of fun!

[Derwin]

Hey, Bulldog, did you get any photo's of this occasion? If so, please post them to this thread. I think we would ALL love to see them! Thanks.

[Bulldog]

No, I sure didn't, when I got about half way to Gunnison I realized I had forgotten the camera at home. A friend of mine that was with me didn't bring his because he though I had mine! DANG IT ANYWAYS!

[Mike kZ]

Hi guys! I'm new to your site, and I'm very interested in the V1!! I first saw it on the Science Channel on a show called Invention Nation. Here is a clip: http://science.discovery.com/video/index.html?playerId=1391584921&titleId=1339995781 ( Super Hybrid ). As soon as I saw this I started checking on the web and found the flytheroad.com site, and others. I'm still tring to get all the info I can! I'll keep checking in for more news, and hope to buy one when it comes out! :Beer:

Mike

[evCommuter]

Hello FTRC,

Wow, I’m honored. It is a good idea that someone manufacture the amazing V1 vehicle. To build a successful vehicle is amazing and to manufacture it, is truly astounding. To “make” something of such complexity and scale – results a vehicle maker. Vehicles are identified by “make” which brings the identity back to the originator’s ideas. Just consider the likes of automobile makers Ford, BMW, etc.. motorcycle makers Ducati, BMW, etc… With all the talent, work, and decisions involved with design, materials, quality, fabrication, testing, manufacture, business, engineering, safety, within budget, schedule, and product quality – results a vehicle maker, an empire, a legend. I hope the Venture Vehicle Company gets the right people to bring the best possible product to market. Congratulations.

Thank you Derwin for this opportunity to stitch my thread into the forum and being a member (pilot in training) of the Fly the Road CLUB.

I’m not a heavy-hitter as a voice on the development of the V1 but I am very interested and probably like many people who are ready to spend money to have one. I am [not yet] a true evCommuter!

I am an ASE-Certified Automotive Mechanic, with engineering credentials, SME. I don’t have a motorcycle but I used to, and I miss the ride, but I hated the noise. Now I have a Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and I love the quiet stealth of an Electric Vehicle (EV), which I will upgrade to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) when it’s possible.

Imagine the ride in the open air on a country road with the quietness of electric power. So I am looking for an electric motorcycle, and I searched the web and eventually found Carver (Vandenbrink), Venture Vehicle’s VentureOne (V1), and the Fly the Road CLUB. The amount of information here is massive in many forums.

On my eager journey I saved the following links (for me) but many of my links are already posted to the club.

A green mean commuting machine (http://www.financialpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=377597)

Aptera Motors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aptera_Motors)

Carver (http://www.3wheelers.com/carver.html)

Carver (automobile) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carver_%28automobile%29)

Electric Moto (http://www.electricmoto.com/)

Electric Motorsport Electric GPR (http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_electric_motorcycle_gpr-s.php)

ElectricMotorcycles.net-EM Headline News » The Enertia Brammo Motorsports’ Electric Motorcycle (http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/wordpress/?p=252)

EVTAMERICA Z-20, EVTUSA, EVT, EVT-4000e, EVT-168, Z-20, Z20, Electric Scooters, Electric motorcycles (http://www.evtamerica.com/z_20.htm)

First ride the Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter (http://www.gizmag.com/go/8036/)

High T3ch » The Carver - Motorcycle or Car (http://hight3ch.com/post/the-carver-motorcycle-or-car)

Pleiades-Enterprises - Village Energy - New Energy News - E-Cycle News - Village Energy - New Energy for a New Age (http://www.pleiades-enterprises.bigstep.com/generic98.html)

R Martin – EVD Electric Scooter (http://www.rmartinbikes.com/evd.html)

Scooters Around Town – X-600 (http://shop.scootersaroundtown.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=10)

ThunderStruck Motors – AC Drive Electric Motorcycles (http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/acbikes.htm)

Vectrix U.S.A. - Home (US) (http://www.vectrix.com/Portal/1/Language/47/Page/1/home.aspx)

Venture Vehicles, maker of high-priced electric scooter, gets backing » VentureBeat (http://venturebeat.com/2007/08/20/venture-vehicles-maker-of-nifty-electric-car-with-100mpg/)

http://www.auroragraphics.net/firestorm.html

But wait! If I can get a V1 then I have an electric motorcycle and I may not need my PHEV SUV! The V1 has many advantages of an automobile, e.g. safety cage (no need for a helmet), air bags, stability, and on and on…

This is what exists as competition to the V1 (for me):

2002 BMW Clever - Top Speed (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2002-bmw-clever-ar9913.html)

Intriguing Electric Bike The EV-X7 Prototype TreeHugger (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/electric_bike_ev-x7.php)


Safe, Agile, Comfortable Dressed – My V1 Will Lean To Excite You!

Our journey is not over :cool:

[CelticFlyer]

Hey, thanks for the links! They should make for some interesting web surfing when I'm NOT here. ;)

And that video on Invention Nation featuring Ian with the VentureOne "prototype" (Carver) was very interesting. I love seeing that machine lean into turns.

[bhicks]

My path to the V1 was by accident. I was doing a search for websites that either made trike kits for my Goldwing, or for websites that built and sold V8 powered trikes. I came accross some informational sites that were talking about the Venture One project. They caught my attention, I found the 'Flytheroad' website, and I've been hooked ever since.

=y:

[Miracleman89]

Well I found out about the V1 back in November of 2006. At the time I was doing blogs on my myspace page about alternative vehicles. Not just for fuel economy but, you know, something that stood out and was different from the cookie cutter type of vehicles that come from the major automakers! I did a blog on the VW GX3 Mule, the T-Rex, the Tango, the Ale', and the Carver! Now, when I came across the Carver One I was Stoked!!! I wanted one and I wanted one yesterday! I began to research the Carver to do a follow up article, trying to find more info like whether or not they were planning for full scale production or if they had plans to bring them to the states and if so when......... Stuff like that! This research lead to an article on the phiaro eternity! It was at that time I came across an article talking about an American company called Venture Vehicles considering producing a hybrid version of the Carver One! This article put me over the top and I began looking for information on Venture Vehicles. There was non to be found anywhere! I looked to find anything even the BBB had nothing on Venture Vehicles! I had no Idea who they where and it seemed no one else did either! By February I had all but forgotten about that article when VV launched their website! I tried to find out more info on them but there was just that one article so I gave up. I think it was in march 2007 I came across the FTR site. Since then I haven't looked back! I started spending all my time on the FTR forum! I wrote a couple more blogs but they were about the V1 and then I was done! I became a devoted follower! I've checked the boards almost everyday and I have drove my wife nuts ever since! LOL

[curbowman]

I've been looking for alternative vehicles a long time. I want to have it all: fuel efficiency, clean emmisions, striking design, comfortable to drive both in the open road and in the city.

But I would like to use the Venture for weekend trips with my girl, I tend to see it as a better alternative to a Goldwing. I also like the Peraves Monotracer, but is a bit expensive for being a faired BMW...

I read a note on Autobloggreen long ago about the Venture project, and it seemed like a restyling of the Carver, so I didn't paid much attention to it. I mean, I do like the CarverOne, but its design is very 'antiseptic' to me. But last week I found the X-prize pictures of the Venture mockup with the new design... and BAM!

The new design is so cool, aggresive, futuristic... WOW! Now this is how an unique vehicle should look! It seems to have sprung out from the Robotech series. Even the logo is an inverted triangle!

So, now you can count me in as another Venture fanatic!!

[RAN]

curbowman, welcome to the club! Sorry about the snafu with registering.

I think the V-1 is about as "alternative" as it gets :-D
It's about time someone built something other than the same old rounded-off box...

[beeson]

My ISP, Outlawnet, had the V1 and Aptera as featured photos on their website. The Aptera was the top layer and I was completely intrigued by it. The V1 was the under photo and I was completely captured by it when I saw the specs and the lean. I'm an avid BMW motorcycle rider. The lean nailed me. Add in the very nice top speed and great millage and I WANTED one.

We own two Honda Civics for our normal driving. I have a rebuilt/modified 280Z (bright Oregon State Orange and black) as my fun car. I can see this as a replacement for my commuter, fun car, and motorcycle all rolled into one. I would love to see the reaction from my BMW Motorcycle Club when I rolled up with this one.

This is going to be a fun ride thru the Oregon twisty roads.

[KimB]

I ran across the VV on the Internet while doing research on the 2009 Prius.

[Derwin]

KimB,

Welcome to the club! I think you will find this club site a very good source for informatino pertaining to the Venture Vehicle project, and other alternative energy vehicles. Please feel free to join in on the fun, and share your thoughts.

Derwin

[waboom]

I actually found this because of my 2-year old's sleeping habits.

My youngest daughter has a hard time falling asleep, so Dad lays on the ground next to her crib and sticks a hand in there to comfort her. It's the only security blanket she's ever used; she'll grab it, stick it under her belly (doing her best to dislocate my elbow in the process), and fall asleep on top of it.

Of course I can't talk or otherwise interact with her at this time; storytime is over, and she's supposed to be falling asleep. So I started sticking my laptop under the crib, dimming the screen to it's lowest setting, and surfing the web from there.

Lately I've been hitting youtube, and with my iPod earbuds, I've been watching old segments of "Top Gear." One of the segments was the Carver segment (not the edited one shown on the flytheroadclub home page, the full one which included the 6'5" Jeremy Clarkson demonstrating how he rode in the back seat with his wife driving), and I was hooked on the Carver. A few web searches later led me to the Carver web site, and then I found the link to Venture Vehicles. It actually took me a few minutes to absorb the fact that they were combining this cool tilting technology with a hybrid drive system, and even then it took a day of browsing through the forums there before I finally realized that it was just the electric engines powering the vehicle, and the internal combustion engine was just for recharging the battery! Once that sank in, I knew that this was IT - the kind of vehicle that the general public would admire for it's efficiency and would not be embarrassed to be seen driving one! I know I can't get one of the first model years (and since the wife told me a few weeks ago to expect baby #3 to arrive in November, probably not the second model year either), but I still have to follow this amazing vehicle and root it on, even if only from the sidelines!

(If you want to see the full Top Gear Carver segment, click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6vx98DjcVc).)

[RAN]

Welcome waboom, that's a heck of a story! Thanks for the Top Gear link.. I'd only seen the edited one we have here.

I lived in Atlanta for many years, and it's very possible I may fly the road back there for a visit when I get mine. I'll get in touch if I decide to go. :-)

[Miracleman89]

I have that top gear episode saved on my DVR now!

[waboom]

Hi Ran!
You'd always be welcome here! If I can't get one now, at least I can live vicariously through those of you who do get one!

[Rossasaurus]

Let's see, I got to the V1 via the Mercedes prototype tri-wheeler from a few years back.
I loved the concept of that beastie, though now it looks heavy and dated. And it was never built for market.
I've had BMW bikes and have always wanted one with a sidecar. One too many slides down the coast highway on top of my bike convinced me to retire from two wheelers in the 80's.
Then I stumbled upon the Carver and followed their progress and finally to a retail price in Europe of mid $40k's! ouch!
And I'm now really excited that it's becoming a vehicle that I will be able to purchase and drive quite soon here in the states, all while regaining some of the fun of riding cycles, with a bit more safety.

[TazmanianKoala]

I was pointed to the main website by a Dutch tech forum. I was impressed by the first original design drawings. Also the technic about the tilting vehicle was impressive, but not fully unknown to me. The Carver is Dutch car, after all. Although I think the Carver and the V1 cannot be compared, since they are designed for different purposes.
Now I'm eagerly following the progress of the design of the V1.
If it comes available for export, I would surely think about importing one to the Netherlands. It would be my perfect solution for daily trafic.

[RAN]

Welcome Taz!

Once the prototypes are validated and the designs finalized, the biggest problem VV is going to have is being able to build these fast enough!

I sincerely hope you get to import a V-1 someday. ;-)

[swazworth]

ok i found the v1 while looking for vehicles that better mpg. not that the one i have now is bad about 34 mpg highway. i know there are a lot of people out there that would love that kind of milage. but, you have to suffer the geek factor also. i drive a scion xa right now and tho it looks better than most it's still kind of geeky. anyways i drive about 80 miles round trip to work and home 5 days a week. my car has about a 10 gallon tank and it's almost $40 to fill. ok i know what everybody is going to say "$40 to fill, i wish" but i got this car when gas was cheap, because i'm cheap. :) i don't want to spend $160 a month on gas. so here i am. plus you can drive it in the winter and not freeze your *ss of like i do on a bike. (ducati 750monster) before i hear i live in a desert, i work the midnight shift so it does get really cold to drive a bike in the winter.

[AKP23]

I've been MIA (Missing In Anchorage) for the past couple of weeks, and just logged in today. Boy have I been missing alot!

I found a video about the Carver about 3 years ago. I kept logging in every month looking for new news. One day about 7 months ago, I was telling a co-worker about the Carver and he asked about seeing the web site. I hopped on the computer in the fire station, did a web search, and the web search had a side link to the VV site. I logged in and fell in lust! WOW! Not only do we (the U.S) finally have a proposed vehicle like the Carver, but looks WAY better, gets twice the gas milage, and HALF the price!

Now I am just waiting for the day I can buy one. I'm just hoping it will be before I retire in 4 and a half years, 'cause the 60 mile one way commute is getting expensive!

[jmilton]

I first saw the V1 on uberGizmo.com. I am an electronic gadgets freak. I also love my Harley Ultra Classic (45 mpg), but in Indiana I can only ride about 9 months out of the year and then there are the rainy days. I ride my Ultra any day I can but when I can't I drive my LHS (21 mpg) or my 93 Trans-Am (15 mpg) the 27 miles one way to work. Two things drew me to the V1, it looked fun to drive giving you the near motorcycle ride. The second was the enclosed cab allowing for fun driving in less than ideal weather. Growing up in the worlds racing capital (Indianapolis) having fun with cars/motorcycles has always been part of my life, they are not just transportation to me.

Now I too am waiting for the day that the V1 is on the market. Too me the gas mileage it gets is just icing on the cake. I think I would get one just of the shear pleasure of driving it.

[Derwin]

Welcome to the club, jmilton! I agree with your thoughts exactly. The joy of driving the V1 is what first attracted me to this vehicle, and the fact that it will get around 100 miles per gallon is indeed icing on the cake. But that's some incredibly good icing!

Look around the various forums and you will discover a whole lot of information about Venture Vehicles, as well as other projects. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Derwin

[Shhted]

I've lusted after the Carver for a few years now. In fact, I have a cockpit shot on my desktop. It's a dream I had hope to come to fruition some day. I had people send me links to Aptera's site and a few others. I've driven an old Freeway 3-wheeler (built in Burnsville, MN). I own one of the worst OPEC-Teet-Suckling vehicles on the planet, a Dodge Durango, and I want to change my ways. Thus, I've been commuting on my motorcycle as much as the MN winters allow and the Durango sits.

I actually had no idea that Venture existed. I'm almost embarrassed. However, now that I've found it, I plan on making one happen. What a fantastic concept and intriguing vehicle.

[Derwin]

Hey, WELCOME TO THE CLUB, Shhted! I'm really glad you found out about Venture Vehicles and decided to join us. Your a lot like me in the fact that I DESPERATELY wanted a Carver when I first found out about it, but the cost was simply prohibitive.

By the way, my brother owns a Dodge Durango. That is a really nice vehicle....but it is a gas hog...that's for sure!

Well, enjoy the club, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Derwin

[waltbscott]

I first saw the Carver while on a trip to Canada 3 years ago (they were showing Top Gear on TV) and I loved the idea. I followed up with an internet search, through which I discovered the Clever (and the fact that the Clever, as a product, was dead). So I stopped looking. Then last year, sick of buying Exxon vacations to Hawai'i, I started searching for alternatives. I found this website http://www.hybridcars.com/shop-by-technology/plug-in+hybrid and found the Venture!.
By the way, I received my t-shirt after a couple of weeks of calling the guy

[RAN]

Welcome waltbscott!

Yeah, that Clever is beautiful... too bad it isn't being built.
I think the Venture will see the light of day... it just ain't gonna be soon.

[espresso_curve]

I found out about the venture totally by chance. My wife and I had discussed that if I was going to buy a motorbike it would be a trike. So I started my search online. Well when I saw a link to the fly-the-road site and then saw it was a PHEV that would give me 100 mpg, I was stoked. Then I saw that it was still in the R&D stages. I was bummed for sure. Well I kept searching to find out more information and found this forum. I have been browsing it for the last few weeks but just registered as I felt I had things I wanted to say.

Now I am with everyone else .... waiting in eager anticipation of my road flyer.

[Derwin]

expresso....

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

This vehicle is indeed something very unique, and I think it'll be worth the wait. As long as Ian and the Venture Vehicle team continue to give us updates with new information, videos, pics, and other things, it will make our wait a little less painful.

So, you were looking to buy a trike? Funny thing, I have on order a CanAm Spyder SE5, which is a reverse trike. It's a really unique vehicle also, and I can't wait to get it. They said it should be delivered next month sometime. If your looking for a trike, maybe you should check that out...you may like it!

Anyway, thanks for joining. And if you ever need any help, or have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Derwin

[Gary]

Hello junior (Pilots in Training) and senior Pilots; members and enthusiasts!

Although technically, this is my second post... I'm hoping this thread will suffice for an introduction thread for me; a new junior member/Pilot (ummmm... or whatever my label is...;)).

It seems for me to be at least three years ago.... (has it been that darned long already?).... when I happened across an internet blog or online news article that discussed the Vanderbrink Carver One vehicle. Upon reading about it, in short order I located several internet video clips of the Carver One in action.... and was instantaneously "hooked!" I remember emailing the Vanderbrink website contact address to learn what the company's plans were for a United States or North American distribution?.... Only to be informed that they were simply looking for investors and possible distributors.... that no hard plans existed for a U.S. release or sales of the vehicle. I recall for months having multiple images of the Vanderbrink Carver One on my home computer's desk top as a screen saver. Alas... this all was a few years ago.

Then... low and behold.... a few months ago I happened across a now forgotten internet blog that mentioned the Venture One's design and planning... here in the United States (California specifically). Naturally, I quicly performed a google search.... and the rest at this point, is "history" as they say; I located the "Fly the Road" website and bookmarked it... yet it was just today that I discovered the existance of this particular forum (go figure?).

So.... the aforementioned pretty-much encapsulates what "brought me here."

I am so, SO looking forward to the year and month when I may be able to take ownership of a Venture One!!!

[RAN]

Welcome Gary! I think we have room in line for one more aficionado =y:

[Jack Willard]

My 136 mile daily commute, the resulting really fast automobile depreciation which gets one upside down in value, the high cost of fuel even before the prices skyrocketed, got me to start thinking about maybe a hybrid after I finish paying for my second-hand 2004 Accord.

I really like the 6 banger Accord for hot performance and nice handling on the curvey mountain roads where I live in Northern California. But with the now MUCH HIGHER price of gas, I needed to start looking for my next step.

Getting a bit older now (57), and having had a bad motorcycle accident back in 1986 (not my fault), I only ride my current old bike (1983 Honda V45 Magna) when the weather permits comfortable wearing of full leathers and I can get my "Candy Ass" (her term) young wife on the back for a slow recreational ride up the mountain. I think myself somewhat smarter nowadays. No, I'm NOT going to commute on the bike!

So, searching around for hybrid possibilities, I ran across the Aptera which was certainly interesting. Then I see the range is 120 miles and the performance is way lacking. Cute but no real fun. Keep looking.

Then I eventually find the VentureOne and go YES! Similar range to my Accord, 100mpg, and WOW THAT LOOKS LIKE SOME FUN! I could use some fun. It's been awhile.

And it looks like it will still be awhile. :cry: Like everyone else, I can hardly wait. But it sure is nice to have something exciting to think about again!

[miraclewoman89]

Hello everyone!

I found out about this vehicle through my husband. He has been keeping me updated about the V1 for about two years now. I have seen all of the pictures from the home site, member-made enhanced pictures, read the surveys, followed the discussions on body-styles, etc... I figured it was about time I joined the forum and put my own two cents in, instead of having him do it for me. =D

[Derwin]

MW89... Glad to see you join!

I'm so happy that you decided to join our little club. We need as many people as possible to contribute their thoughts and ideas, and I'm sure your ready to do so. I actually look forward to hearing what YOU think about everything that's going on with VV.

Again, Welcome to the Club!

Derwin

P.S. Hope that machine is working for you.

[miraclewoman89]

MW89... Glad to see you join!

I'm so happy that you decided to join our little club. We need as many people as possible to contribute their thoughts and ideas, and I'm sure your ready to do so. I actually look forward to hearing what YOU think about everything that's going on with VV.

Again, Welcome to the Club!

Derwin

P.S. Hope that machine is working for you.


It will be working very hard for me once school starts in a few weeks!!

[RichDC]

I was doing an unrelated web search for "sexy motorcycle" and voila, the rest is history.
I rode a motorcycle for 2 years as my primary vehicle back in my carefree college days. But since starting a family and getting a "real" job, a motorcycle just doesn't cut it as a primary mode of transportation. I wasn't actively looking for an alternative to my car, and I am not what is often referred to as a "tree hugger/environmentalist". That said, there are many reasons I'd like to be able to make a switch to a more efficient vehicle, especially one that is as damn sexy as the Venture.
I'm REALLY excited about this product. I think it's going to be a great commuter vehicle, and an excellent combination of efficency, safety and style. It can't hit the showroom floor soon enough!

[sumomech]

Hello Everyone,

I was doing a search on alternate fuels for my truck (F-250 6.0 TDSL) when a friend was saying something about a trike called T-REX. I was interested in something that would get better than 17 MPG. Well I Google it and found the T-REX, but also found the Carver, which fit right into what I was looking for. The carver website showed me a link to VV. The rest has been waiting on the delivery date on the VV. So far I have the information on running the truck on 4 different fuels, but still can't wait on the VV.
sumo

[Gunner]

When I was in the 8th grade I designed a three wheeled vehicle that leaned in the turns. I always wanted to try to build it, but time has a way of getting away from you. That was 44 years ago, I still have the clay model I made of it. Anyway, starting about 3 years ago I started trying to look for things like that on the web, and one day there was the Carver. I thought the front was butt ugly, but the principle was just what I was looking for. Then came the V1 and I thought, "this I can live with".

Hey I tried to attach a file, but I'm not good with these kinds of things, anyway it's a picture of a V1 that I have added paint ball gun ports to, can you imagine how much trouble you could get into with that? 2thumb:up

[MVRacing]

Gunner

no:wor:thy1 Just love the idea of paint ball gun ports!!:group:bow:

[Gunner]

Thanks MV, I just think it would be great for those pokey people on the highway that just won't get out of the way. Or maybe it would be smarter to just play with it when you are alone on a lonely stretch of road. I really thought, If your gonna fly, ya gotta have guns. :whoohoo:

[Miracleman89]

The gun ports rock!!!! Can I use real guns??? I hate slow drivers! LOL

[KenL]

As I read through the threads on how we all got to the V-1, I see one common theme. We were all looking for something new. I know...I know... Obvious huh? 2thumb:up
Well that is the same path that I followed too. I was looking for something new and also looking for an alternative to the gas guzzeling truck (06 GMC 1500) or the sporty 04 Monte Carlo SS. Like everyone else... when the gas prices got to almost $4 per gallon, who wasn't looking for an alternative to the 17 miles per gallon truck or 25-30 miles per gallon Monte.
So I started to look on the web to see what was out there. I was pretty disappointed to find that there really is nothing that can be purchased right now!!!! that is affordable. I mean sure you can go to the Moped, or other such items, but I live in South Dakota and you can only run motorcycles or moped until about October at the latest. (without getting frostbite).
In comes the V-1 and what an interesting looking vehicle. I am very curious to see how it is going to perform and see what will happen when you have to drive it in South Dakota and to see if it can even perform in the winter weather. (I know pipedream)
But even if it is not able to be used in the winter how much fun would it be to have a vehicle that is very fun to drive and gets close to the 100 MPG.
Anyway, that is my story..
(Yes People live in South Dakota)!!

[saray]

Found this site by accident but am very interested in high mileage fun to drive cars. I just wish the government would get out of the way and let these vehicles into the USA. I know this is probably asked elsewhere in the forum but is there a date that the carver will be available in US.
Thankscool:thu:mb1

[Derwin]

Found this site by accident but am very interested in high mileage fun to drive cars. I just wish the government would get out of the way and let these vehicles into the USA. I know this is probably asked elsewhere in the forum but is there a date that the carver will be available in US.
Thankscool:thu:mb1


Welcome to the club, saray! wel;co;m;e101))

Carver has a lot on their hands over in Europe, and I don't suspect they will be coming here anytime soon. But, if my memory serves me right, I think they have some projection for entering the US market, but I'm not sure what it is.

The Pursu Hybrid (which is based on the Carver) will be released sometime in 2010 or 2011, according to the company. I guess we just have to wait and see.

Again, welcome to the club, and please feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions or concerns.

Derwin

[Jack Willard]

wel;co;m;e101)) saray!

No Carver coming here. Who needs it? The Persu Hybrid will be oh so much better, and a WHOLE LOT less $$$$!

[Riko Kruit]

Hi Saray,

we are still looking to the development of a new engine in the Carver One ... however, it will take to (at least) 2010/2011 before this is engineered, tested, released and ready to market ... let's cross our fingers for you that Persu meet the 2010 and the $$$$$$ target ...

Riko

[waltbscott]

so I just got my Aptera newsletter emailed to me today. I've had a few of these things already. Seems like they're fairly close to delivering product to market. Their pricepoint is close enough to Persu's (supposed) pricepoint that they are a viable alternative for some of Persu's potential customers. For me, I'd rather have the Persu. But the problem for me is this; I am convinced that the Aptera will get to market. I am not convinced that Persu will get there. And if they expect me to hold out for their product, they need to convince me that it will happen. A quarterly email would suffice. All they gotta do is fog a friggin mirror every once in a while.

[waltbscott]

below is an email and a response from Persu...

From: Walton Scott
Sent: Wed 3/4/2009 9:37 AM
To: Ecom
Subject: an example of "buzz"


I assume you guys have a plan, and I don't think I am entitled to know what that plan is. But Aptera is taking deposits on 'something' and Persu has nothing. I know that you would prefer that I wait for you all, and I would like to. But for how long and for what? Let something out. Release some info.

http://www.aptera.com/newsletter22709/



Dear Walton,
We are sending you this email in response to your email to us.
Developing a new vehicle platform poses numerous engineering and developmental challenges. We are committed to ensuring that the Persu Hybrid is sufficiently robust for the US market prior to its launch. This requires us to devote significant up-front resources to engineer the vehicle as well as to conduct reliability and durability testing once the initial engineering phase has been completed. We are anxious to get the Persu Hybrid to market but we will not compromise quality for the sake of expediency. We are currently projecting a 2010 launch in select US markets.
We are in the process of developing our policy regarding the acceptance of security deposits and purchase orders, but will not do so until the engineering is complete and our MSRP has been set. Actual pricing will be determined as the design and propulsion architecture is finalized, and Persu Hybrid moves closer to production. One of the factors driving the overall cost of the vehicle is the anticipated cost of the battery. We recently worked with industry trade associations to enact federal legislation that will provide tax credits to owners of high-mileage alternative vehicles that will effectively lower the cost of ownership.
Thanks again for your interest in the Persu Hybrid.


Kind regards,

The Persu Team
www.persumobility.com (http://www.persumobility.com/)

[rogwild]

Walt, sounds like more 'canned spam', and didn't answer your question (Why you should wait [and how long] for the Persu Hybrid) or provide new information. But at least someone (or some-bot) is answering the mail.

[Derwin]

But at least someone (or some-bot) is answering the mail.


Getting a response from them is NOT difficult. Anybody can get on the phone and talk with a member of the Persu Team. I have on many occasions. The problem is that they don't have anything to say!

Derwin

[waltbscott]

that's some old Spam all right. But they keep answering. And they're not holding any of my money, so I'm curious... And I (we) keep looking, so I'm (we're) still interested. I look for other things out there that are trying to match the doolar/fun ratio that these guys are PROMISING, but I haven't found it yet. Aptera is the closest thing in terms of price and performance, so I use them for comparison.


Walt, sounds like more 'canned spam', and didn't answer your question (Why you should wait [and how long] for the Persu Hybrid) or provide new information. But at least someone (or some-bot) is answering the mail.

[waynew]

Hello,

I first saw something like this as a kid back in the early 80's on a visit to Disney's Epcot Center. I was already interested in motorcycles and the fun of leaning, so it really caught my attention. Years later I saw an article on the Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet and I fell in love. Sadly, this was never to be produced and I have been looking for similar vehicle ever since. I ride a motorcycle and love the leaning aspect of it. Not having to deal with weather would be a great option here. I am currently in the market for a new bike, and so I started looking at all my options again. It has been hard to find a decent leaning vehicle. I came across the VentureOne on YouTube while watching a Carver One clip. I am pretty excited about a US option, but hope they don't delay too long because I REALLY need a new bike.
Wayne

[CysticVic]

So.... what path brought YOU to the V-1???[/QUOTE]

I found the Persu while looking for three wheeled cars on the web. I'm a conservative, and have always seen the wisdom of More miles and less fuel; hopefully at a low cost. I've seen the carver? in the "Demolition Man" movie, and when I heard it was a real car, I was psyched!

I've always wanted a commuter car that was extremely efficient, as it could be a single purpose vehicle, rather than a normal car that needs to be able to play multiple roles: everything from hauling groceries to hauling the soccer team to making a cross-country trip.

I would love to fly to California, buy this car, and drive it across the country; and then brag about the fuel economy I got.

Hope it's soon.

CysticVic

[Wingman]

Holy Cow! Looks like I'm late. Last post almost a year ago. That Jay Leno video needs to be on the air. How could anyone view that and not want to pull out the checkbook? This little vehicle would be perfect for my 30 mile commute, and just a fun ride to the beach. Probably be an attention getter at bike nite too. Like alot of you guys, I've been interested in the Aptera and saw the Carver several years ago. I've been interested in fuel efficiency,bio-diesel and solar power for years. Although most would give eco save the planet reasons for their interest, mine are purely eco-nomic. To each his own. I sure would like to see the V1 in a showroom somewhere available for sale. Seems like alot of interest out here.....

[Derwin]

That Jay Leno video needs to be on the air. How could anyone view that and not want to pull out the checkbook?

I agree. That Leno segment would make a great ad piece!

By the way, Welcome to the Club! wel;co;m;e101))

I'm glad you took time to join.

Derwin