Greg Murray of Electric Autosports noted there are suppliers developing two-speed transmissions for electric powertrains, primarily by modifying the stout two-speed units used in drag racing. With one of these, Murray says, “You could do a smoke show and go over 200 km/h”.
Behind the Wheel
When it’s my turn for ride, I slide into the shotgun position and Mike Kiraly takes the wheel. Like a stock ‘58 pickup, the interior of Retro Electro features lots of metal, and no air bags or seat belts.
As we crawl out of the parking lot, the only sound to be heard is the power steering and brake pump whirring away.
As we pick up speed on a city street, there is more road noise, but nothing much from under the hood. When we hit the on-ramp to the Gardiner, Kiraly punches it. We gain, and then pass, the “modern” cars in our way. The ride is surprisingly good — for a vintage truck.
Kiraly pulls over and asks if I want to drive. I say yes. Before I head out, he offers this safety tip: the Retro Electro can accelerate fiercely, but it is a relatively heavy vehicle – 500 pounds over stock —and will need to stop eventually. Point taken.
Acceleration is smooth and unrelenting. No torque fall offs, no shifting.
This is cool — and green. Just to make sure the loop is closed, Retro Electro will be exclusively re-charged via renewable electricity from Bullfrog.
I feel a strong urge to roll the window down, stick an elbow out, and light up a ‘cig. But I don’t smoke, and thought it better to keep both hands on the wheel.
But the Retro Electro is very easy to drive, probably easier than V8 hot-rods. It’s particularly suited to around-town driving; it doesn’t mind creeping along in traffic, and when stopped in traffic and stoplights, its electric torque monster of a monster, is Zen-like quiet and patient, awaiting orders.
At one point, I turn to Kiraly, and ask, “So this is actually your daily driver in Vancouver?”
“Yeah,” says Kiraly. “Pretty lucky guy, eh?”.
Behind the Wheel
When it’s my turn for ride, I slide into the shotgun position and Mike Kiraly takes the wheel. Like a stock ‘58 pickup, the interior of Retro Electro features lots of metal, and no air bags or seat belts.
As we crawl out of the parking lot, the only sound to be heard is the power steering and brake pump whirring away.
As we pick up speed on a city street, there is more road noise, but nothing much from under the hood. When we hit the on-ramp to the Gardiner, Kiraly punches it. We gain, and then pass, the “modern” cars in our way. The ride is surprisingly good — for a vintage truck.
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| Photo: Steam Whistle |
Kiraly pulls over and asks if I want to drive. I say yes. Before I head out, he offers this safety tip: the Retro Electro can accelerate fiercely, but it is a relatively heavy vehicle – 500 pounds over stock —and will need to stop eventually. Point taken.
Acceleration is smooth and unrelenting. No torque fall offs, no shifting.
This is cool — and green. Just to make sure the loop is closed, Retro Electro will be exclusively re-charged via renewable electricity from Bullfrog.
I feel a strong urge to roll the window down, stick an elbow out, and light up a ‘cig. But I don’t smoke, and thought it better to keep both hands on the wheel.
But the Retro Electro is very easy to drive, probably easier than V8 hot-rods. It’s particularly suited to around-town driving; it doesn’t mind creeping along in traffic, and when stopped in traffic and stoplights, its electric torque monster of a monster, is Zen-like quiet and patient, awaiting orders.
At one point, I turn to Kiraly, and ask, “So this is actually your daily driver in Vancouver?”
“Yeah,” says Kiraly. “Pretty lucky guy, eh?”.
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