EnVironmental Motors Test Drives the Whip
Test Drive Review of the Wheego Whip
By Dave Kaufmann, EnVironmental Motors Electric Car Specialist
Wheego has an AC-31 Brushless Motor (10 to 35hp) with a Curtis Controller, Regen braking and 96V (9/8V) AGM Batteries. This Two Seater, Low Speed Vehicle is Front wheel drive with a fixed gear ratio transaxle.
The performance for this LSV is exceptional in every way; there is great acceleration, handling, stopping and range.
The Wheego I drove last week ran around at 35mph and had a range of about 40 miles and would charge over night. The Batteries have around 14KW and only use 10KW before it asks you to charge the batteries. I think the reason for this is to have a true 40 miles without sacrificing performance. In my opinion all electric cars should perform like the Wheego in regards to its batteries range estimate.
The interior is “GREAT”, sport like seats, loads of leg, head and shoulder room. There are three gauges that appeal to everyone’s needs. These gauges include, state of charge, speed and a small gauge that has mileage, trip, fault code indicator. This gauge is a nice addition that I haven’t seen yet. It has an “Eco meter” that lets you know by LED’s from green to red which will help you to extend your battery range buy monitoring your heavy foot, so you know when to ease up.
This Wheego has great lines for a small car, wide low profile wheels & tires and the nicest fit & finish I have seen yet in a production Electric Car.
My driving experience was, I could not drive it enough, and it is just like driving a conventional car except for the speed limitation.
The Wheego that I drove was 100% ready for the customer and I feel if they get the price right we finally have the right vehicle for the LSV market.
Available in May 2009- But we are taking deposits now. Be one of the first to own of these stylish, efficient cars!
Target Retail Price: $19,995
I think the best market for these vehicles are retirement communities – especially small communities that used to be mining towns or what not that have survived after their main businesses shut down and now attract retirees for quality of life reasons. The trick is to donate a number of vehicles to the city hall for use by the councelmen and have a reasonable price. Retired individuals are usually in no rush to get anywhere and the idea of a quiet car that doesn’t pollute or make noise might go over really well. In northern climates (like in Canada), it’s common to have plug in spots for block heaters in the winter, the same can be used to charge the cars when away from home.
As long as the cost is under 20K to purchase, it should sell well in this kind of environment.
are there any Massachusetts dealers?