We just wanted to give you a heads up on two Pasadena Caltech events coming up in a couple weeks. Several of their alumni and retired professors have been putting it together. They will take place on the late afternoon of May 22nd, the first entitled Watson Lecture by Dr. Carver Mead, ‘Caltech and the Science and Engineering that Changed the World’. It will highlight achievements from Caltech alumni and retired professors in microelectronics. Within the latter part of the lecture, there will be recognition in the beginnings of the modern electric vehicle. It will be held at the Beckman Auditorium. Btw, Carver is one brilliant dude, and even still at 90 years old. (SEE EVENT DETAILS).
There will be another event eight days later on May 30th, ‘Caltech and the Origin of Electric Vehicles’ at the RAMO Auditorium from 5pm to 8:30pm. The former may be a good precursor to attend. It’s mostly about microelectronics, but there will be a latter part towards the end on automotive vehicles. (SEE EVENT DETAILS). This event is a sponsored SAE event. Many from AC Propulsion will be present. Both events are free and open to the public.
1994 AC Propulsion tZero
Brief Overview
- Proprietary drivetrain 165kW
- Initial deep cycle AGM lead acid, Conversion to Li-on batts in 1999
- Range: Li-on version over 300 miles, driven normally, not conservative.
- Curb weight: 2290 lbs lead acid / Li-on conversion approx. 1800 lbs
- 1999: 0 – 60mph 3.6 seconds. Top end- limited to 120mph
- Body: Kevlar & Carbon Fiber
- V2G Tech: Pioneered by ACP (first vehicle w/ such capability).
- Lead Acid car had series hybrid capability for long range trips with EXT / Genset hybridizing trailer w/ active BackTracker Steering (at the time, a big deal).
- YAW Control, speed distribution control, etc.
