A skateboard, with a boost | Sanjay Dastoor

Summary

In a groundbreaking presentation, an innovative electric vehicle weighing less than a bicycle is unveiled, capable of being charged in just 15 minutes and traveling up to 1,000 kilometers for about a dollar. Using components from remote control airplanes, the device demonstrates impressive performance, including a top speed of nearly 20 mph and the ability to climb San Francisco's hills. Highlighting its portability and low energy consumption—20 times less than a car—the speaker encourages a rethinking of transportation, advocating for more sustainable, accessible, and fun urban mobility solutions.

Takeaways

• 🚗 This electric vehicle weighs less than a bicycle and is highly portable.
• 🔌 It can be charged from a standard wall outlet in just 15 minutes.
• 💡 The vehicle can travel 1,000 kilometers on approximately one dollar of electricity.
• 🏙️ Rethinking vehicles can lead to innovative concepts beyond traditional cars and bikes.
• 🛠️ The motor and battery used are sourced from toy store products, highlighting their accessibility.
• 🏔️ The vehicle can climb hills in San Francisco at speeds near 20 mph (30 km/h).
• ⚡ It features a range of about six miles (10 kilometers), suitable for many short trips.
• 🌱 This vehicle uses 20 times less energy per mile compared to traditional cars.
• 📦 Its lightweight design allows for easy portability and maneuverability.
• 🔄 The technology promotes sustainable transportation and a smaller energy footprint.

Q & A

What is the key feature of the electric vehicle presented in the script?

The electric vehicle weighs less than a bicycle, is portable, can be charged from a normal wall outlet in 15 minutes, and can run for 1,000 kilometers on about a dollar of electricity.

What common misconceptions does the speaker address about electric vehicles?

The speaker notes that people often think of electric vehicles in terms of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, rather than considering more innovative or unconventional forms of transportation.

What components were used to build the electric vehicle?

The motor and battery used in the vehicle were sourced from remote control airplanes, showcasing their advanced performance and suitability for innovative vehicle designs.

What is the range of the battery mentioned in the script?

The battery has a range of about six miles (10 kilometers), which can cover approximately half of car trips in the U.S.

How fast can the electric vehicle travel uphill?

The electric vehicle can reach speeds of about 20 miles per hour (30 kilometers per hour) while going uphill.

What advantage does the electric vehicle have in terms of energy consumption?

It uses 20 times less energy per mile or kilometer traveled compared to a conventional car, making it much more energy-efficient.

What is the significance of the vehicle's portability?

The lightweight and portable nature of the vehicle allows users to carry it easily, changing how they interact with urban environments like San Francisco.

What kind of control does the user have over the vehicle?

The vehicle is controlled using a handheld remote, allowing for easy acceleration, braking, and reversing.

What does the speaker hope the audience will consider about vehicles in the future?

The speaker hopes the audience will think of vehicles in new and innovative ways, rather than just traditional forms of transportation.

How does this technology contribute to sustainable transportation?

By significantly reducing the energy footprint for transportation, this technology promotes more sustainable and environmentally friendly travel options.