TRIAC electric vehicle balances cost and performance on three wheels

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TRIAC electric vehicle balances cost and performance on three wheels

By Darren Quick

21:08 February 14, 2010

8 Comments

6 Pictures

The TRIAC three-wheeled electric vehicle competes with regular gas-powered cars on performance and price

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Electric vehicles promise advantages for the environment in terms of reducing local emissions along with advantages to the hip-pocket in respect to running costs. Unfortunately at this stage of the game, the catch is the premium price tag which places EVs outside the reach of the majority of drivers. Electric vehicle manufacturer, Green Vehicles is attempting to address this problem with its US$24,995 TRIAC three-wheeler.

Losing one of the rear wheels has not only helped lower the weight of the vehicle and reduce costs, it also means the TRIAC can be registered as a motorcycle allowing it to take advantage of car pool lanes with only one occupant. However, drivers will still only require a regular Class C driver’s license – the same used to drive a regular 4-wheeled car – to drive the TRIAC.

With a top speed of 80mph and range of 100 miles on a single charge the vehicle is capable of traveling on the freeway alongside gas-powered vehicles. Recharging is via a regular household outlet, taking around 16 hours for a 110-volt outlet, or five hours using a 220-volt connection.

Green Vehicles started delivering the first vehicles in November 2009 and is currently taking reservations, with vehicles provided on a first come, first served basis.

In this video below Gizmag catches up with Mike Ryan, President of Green Vehicles, who explained some of the advantages of the TRIAC three-wheeler.

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User Comments (8)

the first "Triac "I ever saw was made in China,,,,,,,,,,,or was it ?

robinyatesuk2003

- February 15, 2010 @ 03:02 am PST

Oh lawdy, lawdy, thank the lord Jesus that the people cannot afford them!

3 wheeled motorcycles are inherently unstable and exceedingly dangerous.

Just imagine how many lives have been saved by thwarting this cackamamie BS about 3 wheeled vehicles.

And the manufacturer has been saved from untold lawsuits.

Interesting looking though it might be.

Bill Dickens

Island Architect

- February 15, 2010 @ 05:02 am PST

Not as attractive as the Aptera... But it's here(?), and Aptera looks more and more like a dead flightless bird.

heldmyw

- February 15, 2010 @ 01:02 pm PST

Bill,

If you would notice that the trike is a "tadpole" configuration, one that has proven to not only be more stable than "delta" configuration trikes, but even more stable than 4-wheel vehicles.

Perhaps a bit of research on your part would have been fitting before blurting out "naysayer" nonsense.

Darren

Darren Johnson

- February 16, 2010 @ 06:02 am PST

The teardrop design of the TRIAC is excellent because the tapering in the back helps reduce the vacuum suction effect that requires more engine power as speed increases.

Adrian Akau

- February 17, 2010 @ 02:02 pm PST

To Darren Johnson's comment on it beating 4-wheelers for stability, I agree. I would add that since this is an EV, we also have a very low center of gravity due to the battery pack location!

Will, the tink

- February 17, 2010 @ 07:02 pm PST

Not a bit unstable- HUGE difference between "tadpole" and "delta" 3-wheel vehicle configurations! The old Harley chopper, or even the Honda ATVs, were quite dangerous when pushed to limits, but the Triac has wheels right where the weight presses down on a fast corner (and less rear weight to "fishtail"). Please do research before making opinions - or better yet - try several 3-wheelers (delta AND tadpole).

Chris Jordan

- February 18, 2010 @ 04:02 pm PST

when are guys like 'bill' going to realise that the 2 wheels at the front and one at the rear are much safer than almost any other configuration ? Ah well, lack of knowledge is a poor excuse for stupid comments

robinyatesuk2003

- July 6, 2010 @ 07:07 pm PDT