VentureOne three-wheeled hybrid does flex-fuel

We most certainly dig where this uber-green three-wheeled vehicle category is going, as just one week after seeing the Silence PT2, we've now learned that Venture Vehicles will be tossing the two-wheeled axle in the rear and calling its rendition the VentureOne. Based around Carver Engineering's tilting technology, this trike is officially classified as a motorcycle, but sports a fully enclosed body, roll-cage construction, airbags and bumpers similar to a standard car. The vehicle will hold three folks, and the company has plans for two plug-in hybrid variations that utilize a flex-fuel approach to barely sip gasoline from the four gallon tank, all while touting 100 miles per gallon and the ability to hit speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour; eventually, Venture is also hoping to release an all-electric breed that can scoot 200 miles before needing a recharge. Although production isn't slated to begin until "late 2008," that should give you enough time to save up a good chunk of the $18,000 (E50 hybrid) to $23,000 (all-electric model) that'll be required to snap one up -- and to acquire a motorcycle license, too.

[Via Gizmag]

[Scabrous Vermicelli @ Feb 16th 2007 1:38PM]

"Greetings, program!"

[EDawg @ Feb 16th 2007 2:07PM]

"Greetings Program"

Seriously.... I want a blue one, a yellow one, and a red one

...End of Line

[macona @ Feb 16th 2007 1:47PM]

Since it classed as a motorcycle then you need the motorcycle endorsement on you license. Good luck getting this thing through the motorcycle course.

For that price you could get the BMW K1200LT...

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=k1200lt

[enzo @ Feb 16th 2007 1:49PM]

Went straight to the videos on the link... How about a video of a controlled crash?

[ASTROBOT @ Feb 16th 2007 1:57PM]

With that kind of money, you would rather buy a car for more space and safety. Not so sure who's going to be that gutsy to drive it on the highways.

[jollyllama @ Feb 16th 2007 2:14PM]

ASTROBOT:
Oh come on, what kind of gadget nerd are you? Would James Bond have been afraid to try this out cause it might not have side-airbags? NO! He would have had Q install a rocket launcher or two, drive it 100mph through traffic, and then go off a jump over some kind of river or dam or helicopter. Quit being such a weenie and dig the gadget car. Gah.

But seriously, I have no patience for people who are afraid of this kind of thing. One of the biggest fundamental problems with cars is that they're freaking huge pieces of metal to drag around to move, more often than not, one person and their diet coke. Cars are pretty efficient at moving 4 people 100 miles. However, they're really stupid for moving one person 10 miles. Smaller vehicals are a big part of the solution to our energy/global warming issues (and I'm not talking Mini Cooper size). What you're seeing above is the future. People being convinced that your 3000lb roll cage of a minivan is nessessary for safety reasons is a great way to make sure your kids die in energy resource related wars.

[jollyllama @ Feb 16th 2007 2:14PM]

ASTROBOT:
Oh come on, what kind of gadget nerd are you? Would James Bond have been afraid to try this out cause it might not have side-airbags? NO! He would have had Q install a rocket launcher or two, drive it 100mph through traffic, and then go off a jump over some kind of river or dam or helicopter. Quit being such a weenie and dig the gadget car. Gah.

But seriously, I have no patience for people who are afraid of this kind of thing. One of the biggest fundamental problems with cars is that they're freaking huge pieces of metal to drag around to move, more often than not, one person and their diet coke. Cars are pretty efficient at moving 4 people 100 miles. However, they're really stupid for moving one person 10 miles. Smaller vehicals are a big part of the solution to our energy/global warming issues (and I'm not talking Mini Cooper size). What you're seeing above is the future. People being convinced that your 3000lb roll cage of a minivan is nessessary for safety reasons is a great way to make sure your kids die in energy resource related wars.

[Electromodo @ Feb 16th 2007 2:09PM]

Cm'on! It's a trike with a roof, that's what it is!
And it's not even that overexpensive as all custom trikes that can easily go up to $30K!

So I welcome it and I will probably buy it to give my gal a ride without aa sissybar! $18K for the trike is cheaper than $20K+ anyway!

(And yes, I have a 750cc Honda motorcycle already!)

[ASTROBOT @ Feb 16th 2007 2:30PM]

Hey I'm all for these kind of environmental friendly automobile. But the problem is that a half a tonne competing on the road/highways against other beast is a joke. Look at how high that thing is and larger vehicles are going to have problem seeing you. Let see what happen when you get into an accident. This vehicle would only be good for inner city or other country that's populated with people and vehicles. You're going to have to end up buying a larger car anyhow to go with this. This thing is too small and have it limited use.

[EDawg @ Feb 16th 2007 2:54PM]

I agree highway safety could be an issue-- but I am a city dweller and this thing would be GREAT in the city. Personally I wish all vehicles in cities could be eliminated, but I know that wont happen. This is the next best thing

[Charlene Barina @ Feb 16th 2007 2:59PM]

I haven't owned a car since high school (about...8 years?) and primarily go by bike. I can get what I need locally through a combination of biking and buses, although I do get rides sometimes from friends when I'm lazy or hauling large items, or rent a car when I have to make an out of state trip. At least this car/bike has multiple seating capacity.

For those who want to go non-motorized, this is the item to own: http://www.xtracycle.com/sub.php

...I would say that the trike would have a similar feeling to what most cyclists have on the road - you have to be cautious and assume people aren't going to see you - so that's not a new concern. I would hope myself that the more people who use small vehicles, the more people are aware of how sucky it is to get almost creamed, which would mean better driving habits. But perhaps I'm optimistic.

[jollyllama @ Feb 16th 2007 3:58PM]

No one said that you should just have one vehicle for everything. Like I said, if you're taking your family for a 100 mile trip across the state, a car makes a lot of sense. If you're going to work downtown, it doesn't. One of my biggest requirements for viability in the small vehicle space is that it be really cheap. I mean, really cheap, like less than $3000. That way, you still own a car, but you only use it twice a week when you actually need it. The rest of the time, you're getting 100 mpg in your half lane vehicle.

Re: Safety, I think that most people overestimate how safe any vehicle is at 70mph on the freeway. Fact is, if you get hit by a semi, you're going to die whether you're in one of these or an SUV. That's it, I'm sorry to break it to you. Using a false perception of safety as an excuse to destroy the world is irresponsible.

[ug @ Feb 16th 2007 2:55PM]

It's not a James Bond car. It's a Tron light cycle. Very cool.

[ASTROBOT @ Feb 16th 2007 3:13PM]

Like what I've said. These kind of vehicles have limited use. It's like owning a scooter or a motorbike. You're still going to need a 4 wheels vehicle. Not effective on highways, rainy days or winter season. If majority of these vehicles are on the road with you, then it's fine.

Just buy yourself a scooter for inner city purposes or else take a look at one of these:

http://www.zenncars.com/

[Pinkerton @ Feb 16th 2007 3:02PM]

Good point on the motorcycle endorsement. This vehicle is more technically practical than legally practical. I would not want to wear a helmet either, which is a requirement for motorcycles in my state. There is the "gee whiz" factor, but in the end, it has to be practical and affordable.

Such legal SNAFUs also keep me away from buying a scooter (legally defined as over 50 cc). When you need a motorcycle endorsement + all the other legalities... you mas as well buy a motorcycle.

[Jypson @ Feb 16th 2007 3:04PM]

I would love to try one...I hope they really catch on.

[Sean @ Feb 16th 2007 3:23PM]

I can't believe it took 10 messages to get a Tron reference :) If it is classified as a motorcycle, then I have to second Pinkerton's comment that California would make you wear a helmet inside one of these.

[ASTROBOT @ Feb 16th 2007 4:22PM]

Maybe try reading my other posts before telling me what I don't know and you know all.

[Peter @ Feb 16th 2007 4:03PM]

Actually it could be registered as a motorcycle and driven as a car with a car license. That is how it is done in Europe for the Carver (which is essentially what this is). It has a roll cage and airbags, why would you need a helmet? It is classed as motorcycle so it doesn't have to meet every car regulation and weigh 2500lbs.

I would get one in a flash. It is like the best of both cars and motorcycles. The driving fun of a cycle with the weather protection of a car. Throw in 100MPG and what is not to love. Sure you are not going to haul lumber in it, but it would put a smile on my face commuting.

[Jappleng @ Feb 16th 2007 4:08PM]

Honestly people, what would happen if you got into a "No Left turns" predicament and kept going in circles?

[Miguel @ Feb 16th 2007 4:23PM]

Ah-kee-rah!

Okay, I don't want it, but it does look sweet.

[pcbuilderchris @ Feb 16th 2007 4:30PM]

dont worry ill get it through thats a damn good price for the electric but sadly they should have at least let it sit 5-6 people sedan-cycle

[deslock @ Feb 16th 2007 4:44PM]

The engadget description is wrong: It's a two-seater, not a three-seater.

Too bad... if it sat three, I'd trade my car in for one.

[steve @ Feb 16th 2007 5:17PM]

23 responses and no one mentioned minority report?
http://www.c2e.info/core/images/lexusconceptside.jpg
It seems that the only difference is that there is only 3 wheels.

[Ian @ Feb 16th 2007 5:22PM]

TETSUO!!!!

[JCA @ Feb 16th 2007 5:23PM]

The only reason a motorcycle is less effective during rain and snow is because the driver is exposed to the elements. Having a roof over you would eliminate that issue. If we are talking super slick roads or ice though, then maybe this is a disadvantage but you can still slip and slide in car just as easily as you could in this thing. As far as this thing goes, the weather factor is not a valid argument as to why it has limited use.

About getting a motorcycle license with this. A lot of states have programs where you get training (on their own small, 2 wheel motorcycles) and if you pass your test, you get your endorsement. More often than not, I'm willing to bet that since this is a trike (read: more stable) the DMV WILL NOT let you take your test with this thing anyway. They probably want to see you can do it old school :)

The bottom line is that at a minimum, this thing can be used wherever/whenever a motorcycle can be used. Then you add in the fact that it has a roof and seating for 2 passengers and we are talking about even more functionality. This thing is just as safe and carries just as many risks as a normal 2 wheel motorcycle does. This is going to be a fantastic alternative to regular motorcycles what with the ability to lean into corners, a little bit of extra storage space and the roof! Sure you can get really nice Japanese bikes for less than 10K but the Carver is like $40K in Europe. To get Carver technology like this for $18K would be amazing.

[R @ Feb 16th 2007 6:12PM]

If it has three wheels with deep enough tread, and a wide enough wheelbase, why not drive it on a rainy day? Is the wheelbase too narrow? No wipers?
Is it too light to grip the road?

[Peter @ Feb 16th 2007 7:31PM]

It has a wiper and it does fine in the rain. Much more stable than a two wheeler. I wouldn't drive it in the snow. That would not be a good idea.

This is a proper compromise in all the right directions compared to the other lame 3 wheelers like the VW GX3 what have two in the front, one in the back.

Compare:

Helmet:
GX3 requires a helmet as there is no protection.
Venture does not, has roll cage, seat belt and airbag.

Weather protection:
Gx3 has none, hope you like getting wet.
Venture, has full weather protection.

Driving experience:
GX3 is flat wide, has carlike stance.
Venture has narrow passenger compartement, tilts like a motorcycle.

In short the venture/Carver has the best things about motorcycle, that narrow high visibility tilting, feels like you are flying experience, but with better safety, full weather protection and no helmet needed.

The GX3, gives you only the bad stuff from motorcyles. Helmets and weather exposure.

I know which one I want. Super fun, with weather protection and saving the planet(100mpg). What is not to love?

[Ian Bruce @ Feb 16th 2007 10:22PM]

You're probably aware that VW's "Moonraker" team created the GX3's styling -- but the actual chassis, or "mule", was designed, engineered, and built by Swift Engineering in Southern California.

The lead engineer on that project was Chris Norris, who is now doing the chassis, suspension and propulsion engineering for the VentureOne. We're fortunate to have him as he probably has more experience with 3-wheelers than anyone else in the country. (BTW: he was the one videotaping the back of my head in the video that appears on our blog).

[Ian Bruce @ Feb 16th 2007 10:15PM]

As one of the founders of VV I can say that Jollyllama and Peter got it right on all points:

* You won't need a motorcycle endorsement or helmet in most states, and were working hard to make that national --
* The big vehicle vs. small vehicle argument is a flawed one. Ask any auto safety engineer.

Also...

* The vehicle performs extermely well in the rain, otherwise we wouldn't have added a wiper --
* It's technically a motorcycle, so feel free to use the carpool lane --
* The EV version will have 3 times the speed of a ZENN and 4 times the range.
* It's fracking fun to drive

Thanks.
More at: http://www.flytheroad.com

[Peter @ Feb 16th 2007 11:03PM]

I wish you guys all the success on this one. I never paid much attention to the GX3 because from the first I couldn't see it going anywhere and I had no personal interest the GX3(reasons above). So I didn't know of the connection.

On the chassis I don't see much knowledge carryover. The Carver setup is quite different than a flat single rear on the GX3, which likely has more in common with a 4 wheel design in dynamics than it does with the tilting Carver setup.

I love the looks in your rendering of the Venture one. I was a fan of the Carver, but it's looks don't pop. Your design is sweet looking. I hope it looks as good when the design is translated to reality. Likewise with mileage and performance estimates. If looks and performs as projected. I definitely want one.

I dropped into the blog. I love reading these things, I might suggest you read the Tesla blog, it is the model for what these things should aspire to. Candid and incredibly informative. I learn every time I read it.

[Ian Bruce @ Feb 16th 2007 11:15PM]

Thanks Peter. You're quite correct about the differences between delta and tadpole designs. I guess what I meant to illustrate was Swift's ability to address unusual vehicle configurations. The not only do they handle projects for standard passenger car manufacturers, they also build the F1 chassis for the Toyota and Mazda Atlantic race teams.

BTW: The rendering is just a design direction for the team at BMW Group DesignWorksUSA. The final design those guys come up with is going to be incredible.

[L. M. Lloyd @ Feb 16th 2007 11:32PM]

I can't believe anyone would have anything negative to say about this thing! It is the coolest thing I have ever seen, and I literally just started shifting money into a savings account to get one as soon as they are available! Hell, I am completely jized about the idea of blowing through LA traffic in one of these. If the specs and acceleration listed on their site are true, I don't know why anyone would be afraid to take this on the highway?

[ASTROBOT @ Feb 17th 2007 1:14AM]

Since I saw the video at http://www.flytheroad.com, I am totally impressed. The only thing that will hold me back is the price at the moment but I expect it to drop if it's going to be mass produce.

Great job on with this new technology! But I still don't think I'll drive this on big freeway especially on a long distance commute. My concern would be can a truck driver or a large van see you if he's changing lane?

[Jon @ Feb 17th 2007 9:22AM]

This is classified as a bike and thus should be looked upon as a bike. Try comparing it to a sports bike which as no roll cage, no air bags, no seat belts and only on two wheels. Sure, compared to a car, this thing looks like a 'sardine death can' but so is a sports bike (instead of a can, its a rocket).

I like the idea of this vehicle and would love to see it used widely with all the safety equipment it has. It's extremely nice to see that the speed of this vehicle is par with a compact car.

jollyllama-I agree with you totally about the size of vehicles today and what they are used for. Eloquently put.

[Z @ Feb 17th 2007 10:56AM]

I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat! Fast acceleration, great top speed, unbelievable gas mileage, compact, attractive, a looks like a lot of fun, too.


(And one correction: it's not a three-person vehicle. It only seats two).

[Apollo @ Feb 17th 2007 1:39PM]

We've all heard of people talking about the advantages of driving a bigger vehicle. It is absolutely true, however, if we all agree that when a lot of people consider smaller vehicles to drive, more people will consider it to be a good alternative than driving a huge vehicle with terrible gas mileage. Europeans drive smaller cars and see the savings it terms of gas prices(even congestion fee for larger vehicle in downtown London). I say, go for it and I want one in blue. It's my best contribution for both wanting to be "green" and minimize my dire need of gas from the middle east!

[Dustin @ Feb 17th 2007 1:56PM]

actually holds two people (not three)

[B @ Feb 19th 2007 7:02PM]

Conceptually, technically, ergonomically, and financially you'll come out ahead driving one of these as your daily commuter. You'll spend 5 times less (roughly) on gas. I spend over $40.00 a week right now so over $2k per year, I'll be lucky if I spend $400.00 for the year with this. For young couples, retirees or anyone that just needs a little extra space for a friend or some groceries you can't lose with this thing. All of that topped off with a fun factor off the charts, carpool lane access, and some green friendly motoring what's not to love? I've been riding a motorcyle on and off for years and I'm still here because I take a common sense and safe approach to it just like I would with this. I can't wait to get my self into one!