Sähköautot–Nyt! (Finnish for Electric Cars–Now!) is taking an innovative approach to getting more electric-powered vehicles on the road. The Finnish not-for-profit group, which calls itself an open-source electric vehicle community, wants to sign up 500 or more buyers for its first proposed model. Instead of building a car from scratch, they’ll retro-fit existing Toyota Corollas. At a volume of 500+, the cost of acquiring and converting used, petrol-powered vehicles to run on rechargeable lithium batteries will be on par with the cost of purchasing a standard internal combustion engine Corolla off the lot, and saves the energy needed to manufacture a new hybrid or electric car.
More facilitator than manufacturer, Sähköautot–Nyt! is inviting suppliers to offer components for a prototype conversion kit. Once the conversion kit has been developed, it will use its website to assist customers in ordering a Corolla and a kit, and in choosing a local auto shop that can handle the conversion. While the group says that for the time being its kits will only be available in Finland, its founders are willing to share their knowledge with similar organizations in other nations, as befits the open-source movement.
To be sure, competition will come from the plug-in hybrid vehicles that major auto makers hope to launch over the next several years. Those models will come with warranties and a network of repair facilities, which no start-up organization could hope to duplicate. Still, plenty of early adopters would likely sign up for a vehicle that helps them fight back against the rising cost of fuel. Sähköautot–Nyt! shows how the open-source model could become a powerful tool for (social) entrepreneurs who want to tackle pressing issues sooner rather than later. (Related: Battery-powered trucks — The going is green, and electric.)
Website: www.sahkoautot.fi/eng
Contact: ecarsnow@gmail.com
Spotted by: Antti Kaiponen
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Brilliant idea! Reducing junk created by dumping petrol-driven cars - rather recycle them! I have long been concerned about the side-effects of dumpling existing vehicles to use new fuels.
Maybe we should try it in South Africa also, where there are MANY used Corollas. Best of luck to the Fins!
Futuristic idea, will work out well. The long run success is based on the kilometers per charge. The eco friendly idea has to be done with other old models of popular brands, so that people can have choice. India is one of the right place the idea will work well. Wish the Fins Great luck!
I think this could work well, the automotive companies have been sluggish to promote electric (or hybrid) vehicles. If their kit is up to par then I can see the conversion being popular for drivers wanting a citycar.
John Peden | June 4, 2008 7:09 PM