JUN 10

Graduate students at Stanford University designed and built an EV in 10 weeks as their master's thesis.  They're calling the vehicle, which can hit 35 mph and has a range of around 20 miles, the WENG, which stands for "Where Everyone Needs to Go."

The WENG's motors are located in its rear wheels, the battery pack is under the floor board and the steering and driving are controlled with a joystick and throttle.

Calling the WENG "stripped down" would be an understatement, but let's start with the positive things we can say about this project.  We'd be remiss if we didn't mention how cool it is that five students were able to build a working electric vehicle in 10 weeks.   That's quite an amazing feat.

Also, the purpose behind the WENG -- to encourage people to question whether they need a full-size, four-door car for all situations -- is a noble and relevant one.  As one of the designers, John Stanfield said: "why are people driving 4,000 to 6,000 pound internal combustion cars to the grocery store?"

But let's face it, the neighborhood EV concept hasn't really taken off and the WENG, with it's bare-bones go cart appearance probably won't attract many buyers.  That's right, I said buyers.  The students envision a 50-mile-range commercial version and representatives from Light Speed Venture Partners are interested.  They think it could sell for just under $10,000.

via WENG Motors

Comments (14)

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Why not a kit
written by D Moore, June 10, 2010

This seems like a perfect candidate for a car kit that a family could build in their own garage. Face it, you'll need a garage if you have one of these. It just seems like something great to put together and since it is likely not to suddenly make the Neighborhood EV market take off, why not take advantage of the enthusiasts that like to tinker and would be willing to buy the kit for a much smaller price and put it together on their own.

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Contest
written by C. Weed, June 11, 2010

I suggest running a contest for who can get theirs impounded for not being street legal. I hate to break it to you, but "The Man" is going to put a smack down on your hippie car.

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Well I don't knock'em for trying
written by Garrett, June 11, 2010

Thats a nice little gimmick for those grads. Although I fail to see it's earth shattering ramificaitons... The "car" could easily be kitted and made like many do with real airplanes in their garage. Many inovaters do a lot more with a lot less resources than stanfod, but at the same time all of those inventors started somewhere.

Wish I had one to tool around campus when I was younger.

http://www.greencollarenvironmentalist.com

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...
written by jcsr, June 11, 2010

"why are people driving 4,000 to 6,000 i.c. cars to the grocery store?" Because if you take this - thing - out on the road and cant get up to 40 mph you are going to irritate the others 'til sooner or later some nut will just run you over. 'Happens all the time with bike riders. Why not just take the danged bus?

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Climate change
written by ascoss, June 11, 2010

Climate change is a global problem, and yet each one of us has the power to make a difference. Even small changes in our daily behaviour can help prevent greenhouse gas emissions without affecting our quality of life. In fact, they can help save us money!

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Looks like a third world student project
written by Gabe, June 12, 2010

I didn't realize the US was so backwards.

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Trains & Bikes?
written by Victor, June 15, 2010

I think the question of "why are people driving 4,000 to 6,000 pound internal combustion cars to the grocery store?" is a relavent one, and one many of us have asked ourselves. But why do we forget the impact of efficient rapid transit systems like many countries have, and even our major cities (west coast) previously had before Big Oil had them ripped out. Also let's not forget bicycles; good mileage and excercise!

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Too much?
written by Sam Hamilton (NF), June 16, 2010

I think that you would have to find a way (I don't know of one) to make it cheaper. I think someone who is going for the "save the earth" stance is going to like it but, a normal person would rather have an ac and be able to sit inside for just over 10,000.

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EVs and public transportation
written by Fredrik, June 16, 2010

Heh, Chalmers University in Gothemburg have a parade of wacky homebuilt vehicles each year; this looks like some of them (but with less smoke from exhaust gases). Way to go!

As many have mentioned "why are people driving 4,000 to 6,000 pound internal combustion cars to the grocery store?" is a very important question. People are so used to their cars today that they won't see other options unless you force them (gas is too expensive, loose the drivers license etc.). Or give some kind of incitement that appeal to them in some way. Be it health, money or environmental gains if one finds the right spot to focus on, I have found that people at least start to reconsider their habits. EVs are interesting because as long as they behave like a normal car in most ways, the hippy-mark is removed and the price is right as well as good infrastructure for loading is in place, some people may choose them instead of a normal car. Stunts like this are at least a fun way to start discussion

commutegreener.com

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First thing you know old Jed's a millionaire...
written by Mark, June 16, 2010

There's an irony here...it looks like the Jed Clampett family...pre-oil. Now this is us, post-oil!

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...
written by Mark Whittington, June 17, 2010

I think anybody with a few bucks and imagination, not to mention a place to do it could build a similar vehicle. But to do it as a thesis? Come on. I built go-karts and mini bikes as a kid, and im 56.

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written by Gretchen Mork, June 17, 2010

It's about time some kids at Stanford did a thesis that some body actually would want to look at.
Keep it up!
Gretchen

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6000lbs to the grocery store
written by Al Toman, June 20, 2010

Why do people drive 6000lbs of steel to the grocery store?

1) Because today if you drove the WENG you would be arrested.
2) Because many people don't have an extra $10k today.

Good engineering involves researching the politics and the economy as well as the fun stuff.

People here in my community would drive their $1,600 golf cart to the grocery store if the politics allowed it.

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...
written by Nelson, June 22, 2010

But let's face it, the neighborhood EV concept hasn't really taken off and the http://wengmotors.com/ WENG, with it's bare-bones go cart appearance probably won't attract many buyers. That's right, I said buyers. The students envision a 50-mile-range commercial version and representatives from Light Speed Venture Partners are interested. They think it could sell for just under $10,000.

WENG Motors WENG Motors

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