subject: Commuter Cars Tango - China Lug Style Butterfly Valve - Lug Type Butterfly Valve [print this page] Overview Overview
The Tango is thinner than some motorcycles and may be small enough to legally ride side-by-side with other small vehicles in traffic lanes in some jurisdictions. Capable of seating two passengers in a tandem seating arrangement, it only takes up one-quarter of a standard parking space and is able to park sideways in many cases. One prototype vehicle has been produced by the company and was shipped to Prodrive in the United Kingdom in January 2005, where the design was refined for production models.
The first model is the luxury Tango T600, costing roughly US$108,000. Premium features partially offset the high cost of the early kit vehicles, which are outfitted with a leather-lined interior and a hefty Alpine sound system. The T200 model is expected to be eventually released at $40,000, while the T100 is expected with a $19,000 price tag. Both of these higher-production models remain to be developed and are awaiting funding.
While the vehicle appears unstable at first glance, its heavy battery pack and low ground-clearance combine to give it a center-of-mass only 11 inches from the ground; the effect is not unlike Weeble toys. About two-thirds of the 3,000+ lb (1360+ kg) curb weight in the prototype comparable to a standard sedan is taken up by the batteries, twin motors, and controller, mounted low in the frame. Production models are expected to weigh less, ranging from 2,200 to 2,500 lb (1,000 to 1,130 kg). Propulsion is provided by two electric motors. To extend its range, an optional generator cart can be attached to the Tango.
Recharge
A dryer outlet will give most of a charge in an hour, or a full charge in less than 3 hours. With a 110-volt outlet, it still easily charged overnight. With a 200-amp off-board charger, the Tango can be charged to 80% in about 10 minutes.
Range: 6080 miles (96128 km) (Lead-acid batteries)
Batteries: 12 V * 19 Hawker Odyssey's or 25 Exide Orbital XCD's or Optima Yellow Tops. Will accommodate Li-Ion batteries in the future.
Nominal Voltage: 228 V with 19 Hawkers (300 V with 25 batteries)
Charging: 50 A Manzanita Micro on-board charger with Avcon conductive coupling. 200 A off-board charger under development.
Motors: 2 Advanced DC Motors DC FB1-4001 9", one driving each rear wheel with over 1,000lbft (1,400Nm) of combined torque at low rpms. 8,000 rpm redline.
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tango T600
Myers Motors NmG Narrow electric car of similar size
Tesla Roadster - Battery electric vehicle powered by lithium ion batteries
William Garrison (geographer) studied concept of narrow vehicles
Messerschmitt KR200, Messerschmitt TG500 narrow bodied cars, but with outrigger wheels
Volkswagen 1-litre concept car wide body but narrow canopy and tandem seating for reduced air drag.
NanoSafe
References
Slim Fit For The Freeways, The Early Show (CBS), October 2, 2003.
Paula Bock, Stopping Traffic: Can the car that Rick and Bryan built get traction?, The Seattle Times, July 27, 2003.
Xeni Jardin, Speed Between the Lines, Wired 12.12, December 12, 2004.
^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs9FjfSv6Ss
^ a b c d Commuter Cars Performance
^ FB1-4001 Motor
External links
Commuter Cars
Categories: Electric sports cars | Production electric vehicles | Sports cars | Microcars | Alternative propulsion | Green vehicles | Cars of the United States
