Mike kZ
06-09-2008, 10:42 AM
VentureVehicles FAQ’s
Updated: 6/1/08
When can I get a VentureOne (V1)?
The target is to start selling the V1 in early 2010, in California. There will be a staged rollout to other areas of the country in subsequent years, based, in part, on the ability to provide retail and service infrastructure.
How much will the VentureOne cost?
The initial price target is between $20,000 and $25,000. The actual price will be refined as the design and propulsion architecture is finalized, and Venture Vehicles moves closer to production.
How can I reserve a VentureOne?
Venture Vehicles has a pre-registration page on the “FlyTheRoad” home page. VV is planning on accepting purchase deposits sometime in 2009. Once our policy is finalized; we then intend to notify the pre-registrants and give them priority.
Will I need a motorcycle license or motorcycle helmet?
The V1 is considered a motorcycle under federal regulations. However, individual states set the requirements for license and helmet laws. In California, there is already a helmet and license exemption for enclosed 3-wheel vehicles like the V1, which is one of the reasons we are launching in California initially. Venture Vehicles will be working with other State legislatures to enact similar exemptions for enclosed 3-wheel vehicles like the V1.
What are the VentureOne’s approximate dimensions?
• Width: 51"
• Length: 140"
• Wheelbase: 110"
• Height: 56"
• Curb Weight: less than 1500 lbs
How will the VentureOne perform?
The V1 will have a hybrid powertrain with an electric motor and should have a top speed of approximately 100 MPH. Electric motors have full torque at low RPMs, so acceleration should be impressive. We are currently working on increasing the co-efficient of drag and minimizing the frontal area to improve aerodynamics. However, the exact performance specifications are still under development.
What is the expected Range of the VentureOne?
We are targeting an all-electric (plug-in) range of between 20 and 40 miles. We are currently looking at various options to increase the all-electric range; however, our l battery options are somewhat limited due to the size of our vehicle. A 5-gallon fuel tank will supplement the all-electric range and should provide for 250-300 miles of additional driving range.
How is the tilt controlled?
A Dutch company, Carver Engineering, has developed the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) system for use on their Carver One three-wheeler. Venture Vehicles has licensed this technology for use in the V1. It is a hydraulic system that matches the tilt of the vehicle to the amount of steering input and vehicle speed. At slow speeds, the front wheel is turned to steer, as speed is increased the wheel turn is replaced with vehicle tilt.
Will the VentureOne have an automatic or manual transmission?
Neither. The driver will have a simple control to select Forward, Park, and Reverse modes.
Will the VentureOne have Air Conditioning?
AC and Heat will be standard features.
How much Cargo Space?
The back seat will be designed to fold down and provide a flat cargo area, large enough to hold 'six bags of groceries'. There is a cargo shelf behind the rear passenger seat that should be able to hold a large book bag. A rooftop cargo box may be offered as an option, shaped to provide a minimal disruption to vehicle aerodynamics, and should hold about 5 cubic feet.
What about Towing a Trailer?
A number of potential customers have asked for a trailer hitch receiver to be included in the rear frame design, and this is being investigated. Towing capability would be limited, but a small motorcycle trailer may be feasible.
What safety features are being considered for the VentureOne?
Safety features being considered are described on the Venture Vehicles website and include the following: safety roll cage, standard 3-point seat belts, side impact rails, and a driver’s airbag.
Will the VentureOne have a special tilting cup holder?
The V1's tilt while turning is designed to match the lateral forces created by turning. From the perspective of an object within the cockpit, everything stays level all the time. However, speeding up and slowing down create a forwards/backwards acceleration, so a normal auto spill-proof cup is still a good idea.
How often will we be receiving updates?
VV will provide periodic updates to the Venture Vehicles community at www.FlyTheRoad.com/blog/forums. While the frequency of these updates cannot be predicted, we will try to update the VV community whenever we have significant news to report, or a major announcement. Thank you for your patience and support.
Updated: 6/1/08
When can I get a VentureOne (V1)?
The target is to start selling the V1 in early 2010, in California. There will be a staged rollout to other areas of the country in subsequent years, based, in part, on the ability to provide retail and service infrastructure.
How much will the VentureOne cost?
The initial price target is between $20,000 and $25,000. The actual price will be refined as the design and propulsion architecture is finalized, and Venture Vehicles moves closer to production.
How can I reserve a VentureOne?
Venture Vehicles has a pre-registration page on the “FlyTheRoad” home page. VV is planning on accepting purchase deposits sometime in 2009. Once our policy is finalized; we then intend to notify the pre-registrants and give them priority.
Will I need a motorcycle license or motorcycle helmet?
The V1 is considered a motorcycle under federal regulations. However, individual states set the requirements for license and helmet laws. In California, there is already a helmet and license exemption for enclosed 3-wheel vehicles like the V1, which is one of the reasons we are launching in California initially. Venture Vehicles will be working with other State legislatures to enact similar exemptions for enclosed 3-wheel vehicles like the V1.
What are the VentureOne’s approximate dimensions?
• Width: 51"
• Length: 140"
• Wheelbase: 110"
• Height: 56"
• Curb Weight: less than 1500 lbs
How will the VentureOne perform?
The V1 will have a hybrid powertrain with an electric motor and should have a top speed of approximately 100 MPH. Electric motors have full torque at low RPMs, so acceleration should be impressive. We are currently working on increasing the co-efficient of drag and minimizing the frontal area to improve aerodynamics. However, the exact performance specifications are still under development.
What is the expected Range of the VentureOne?
We are targeting an all-electric (plug-in) range of between 20 and 40 miles. We are currently looking at various options to increase the all-electric range; however, our l battery options are somewhat limited due to the size of our vehicle. A 5-gallon fuel tank will supplement the all-electric range and should provide for 250-300 miles of additional driving range.
How is the tilt controlled?
A Dutch company, Carver Engineering, has developed the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) system for use on their Carver One three-wheeler. Venture Vehicles has licensed this technology for use in the V1. It is a hydraulic system that matches the tilt of the vehicle to the amount of steering input and vehicle speed. At slow speeds, the front wheel is turned to steer, as speed is increased the wheel turn is replaced with vehicle tilt.
Will the VentureOne have an automatic or manual transmission?
Neither. The driver will have a simple control to select Forward, Park, and Reverse modes.
Will the VentureOne have Air Conditioning?
AC and Heat will be standard features.
How much Cargo Space?
The back seat will be designed to fold down and provide a flat cargo area, large enough to hold 'six bags of groceries'. There is a cargo shelf behind the rear passenger seat that should be able to hold a large book bag. A rooftop cargo box may be offered as an option, shaped to provide a minimal disruption to vehicle aerodynamics, and should hold about 5 cubic feet.
What about Towing a Trailer?
A number of potential customers have asked for a trailer hitch receiver to be included in the rear frame design, and this is being investigated. Towing capability would be limited, but a small motorcycle trailer may be feasible.
What safety features are being considered for the VentureOne?
Safety features being considered are described on the Venture Vehicles website and include the following: safety roll cage, standard 3-point seat belts, side impact rails, and a driver’s airbag.
Will the VentureOne have a special tilting cup holder?
The V1's tilt while turning is designed to match the lateral forces created by turning. From the perspective of an object within the cockpit, everything stays level all the time. However, speeding up and slowing down create a forwards/backwards acceleration, so a normal auto spill-proof cup is still a good idea.
How often will we be receiving updates?
VV will provide periodic updates to the Venture Vehicles community at www.FlyTheRoad.com/blog/forums. While the frequency of these updates cannot be predicted, we will try to update the VV community whenever we have significant news to report, or a major announcement. Thank you for your patience and support.