http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/ Engadget Comments for Trexa EV development platform is modular, extremely customizable http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 8:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 8:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Not a bad idea. Offroad-capable skateboard.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAIG8cygZ_c

t'da]]>Jan 20th 2010 12:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
I really like the idea of having a car when I need it, and then being able to switch the body out to say a Pick Up or a Minivan if I need the room....for my robotic prostitutes. ]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 9:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.adrianchernoff.com/pages/HyWire.html]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/I read about it too. I think it was called the Autonomy. So long ago, can't remember... but was very much looking forward to driving one of those XD]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 9:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
I don't think you just swap bodies on that base. You design the body, and it's all good.

Swappable bodies for the base would be unsafe.

As for collisions, ask the smart car owners.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Yes, just be sure to collide with another giant electric skateboard and you should be OK.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
It might be safer, the lower half takes all the damage and you fly safely over the other car in your secure little Car Pod and land safely into oncoming traffic.

How could it possibly go wrong?]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/I like that, secure little flying escape pod, so the designers should give it some small wings to aim it and a parachute maybe, or break rockets! to be extra fancy, the kind ejectionseats have to eject
]]>Jan 20th 2010 12:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Yes but not so good if you ran into a high wall, you would just be a red smear, a bit higher up.]]>Jan 20th 2010 11:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/You might win an art prize though, posthumously]]>Jan 21st 2010 4:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/I know it is early concept, but it doesn't look very safe with it being so rigidly designed.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Collisions are not a problem. It's actually made of Legos. You can pick up the pieces after the wreck and make a totally different car.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Now that is a selling point!]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 9:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
On the other hand, it looks like you could design some kind of generator system to keep this thing going for an extended range vehicle.

It definitely has the cool factor though.]]>Jan 20th 2010 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 9:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 10:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hy-wire.htm]]>Jan 20th 2010 10:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qow9r5yhhBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obs2tAq57j8&feature=related]]>Jan 20th 2010 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
The original concept was something like: you drive your little minivan into the garage, do a little work, have the minivan body unlocked and pulled off the chassis, and drop your convertible sports car body on for the weekend... In addition, the controls within each body are tuned to what makes sense for that body (high accel and handling for the sports car, more gentle accel and softer ride for the minivan, etc). If these guys can get a mass production environment going with the platform, we could see some very innovative EV body designs with a much lower sticker cost than many of the EVs hitting the market now.]]>Jan 20th 2010 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Maybe you lease the base and buy the tops. In ten years when the tires are bad, the batteries aren't doing as well, and the cheap metal bolts are starting to rust, they will swap it for you for a refurbished model.

It would be interesting if you could buy this base from one company, and the top from another.

It sounds like an interesting thing, I like it.]]>Jan 20th 2010 10:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 21st 2010 10:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Can I slap the top 1/2 of a Delorian on the thing, and can it go 88mph?

Best,

Brett]]>Jan 20th 2010 10:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
It doesn't look friendly to low riding (not low riders) cars where you sit nearer to the ground.

In fact, the more concept electric cars I see are all very tall machines. I want something that hugs the ground please.]]>Jan 20th 2010 3:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 10:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 10:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 11:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 20th 2010 12:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/shelbys-amazing-aero-ev-0-to-60-in-2-5-seconds-10-minute-rech/]]>Jan 20th 2010 12:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/
Oh, and, put a built-in Android based car management/car navigation/mifi computer in the dash board (obviously the mifi wouldn't be for the driver, but for the passenger).

Sure, it might not be as safe as a unibody car, but it's probably safer than those e-v's that are based on suped up golf carts (or the ones that aren't safety tested, like the Zenn). And if the price is low enough, it might be interesting.

Oh, and, make a longer version that can be used for 4 seat sedan, 4 seat wagon/SUV, and 2 seat light pick-up truck type bodies. Not for heavy hauling, but for flexible use.

I'd probably go for the tracker/vitara type body (if it was adjusted to seat a 6'3" husky guy) or a 4 seat sedan body, with the cargo space in the front compartment ... especially if I could remove the cargo liner, go to the dealer, and rent a bio-diesel or flex-fuel generator to put in it for a day or a week, for long(er) trips.]]>Jan 20th 2010 7:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 21st 2010 1:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Jan 21st 2010 5:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.decorides.com/sedandelivery.htm , it is modeled after the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr and has a flat floor which is perfect for an electric setup.]]>Jan 30th 2010 10:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Keep in Bed with the oil companies dreaming and stalling the production of their Volts, while others are busy producing and making that dream into reality.

Then GM can whine, biatch and files for bankruptcy again when they see Tesla and Fisker are taking away their dreams and profits!!!]]>Feb 17th 2010 4:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/trexa-ev-development-platform-is-modular-extremely-customizable/Keep'em remained in Bed with the oil companies dreaming and stalling the production of their Volts, while others are busy producing and making that dream into reality.

Then GM can whine, biatch and files for bankruptcy again after they see Tesla and Fisker are taking away their dreams and profits!!!]]>Feb 17th 2010 4:04AM