The Solectria Force is a Geo Metro, professionally converted from a new, motorless chassis (known in the industry as a glider) by Solectria Corporation of Wilmington, Massachusetts, starting in 1991, becoming a battery electric vehicle. Solectria subsequently was acquired by Azure Dynamics Corporation in 2004, it is no longer in production. Approximately 400 vehicles were converted in total.
| Solectria Force | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Solectria Corporation |
| Model years | 1996 |
| Assembly | Massachusetts |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Suzuki Swift / Geo Metro |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,166 mm (164 in) |
| Width | 1,778 mm (70 in) |
| Height | 1,422 mm (56 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,116 kg (2,460 lb) |
History
editThe Force was introduced in March 1991, and the first nine were delivered by October to Arizona Public Service, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and Southern California Edison.[1]: 70–71
The North Jersey District Water Supply Commission procured a 1996 Solectria Force that is still in service today.[citation needed] The original thirteen 12 volt lead–acid gel cell batteries lasted until April 2011, when they were replaced with nearly 10,000 miles.
In 1997, the base price of the car was $33,995 with lead–acid batteries which gave it a range of 50 miles at 45 miles per hour and a top speed of 70 miles per hour. Solectria also offered the Force with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack with an MSRP $88,895. This battery pack gave the Force a range of 100 miles at 45 miles per hour, and the same top speed as the lead acid model at 70 miles per hour.[2]
The city of Morristown, NJ used Solectria "Force" models as "station cars" in a three-year pilot program ending in 2001.[3]
Technical
editFor the display card on the example shown below:
- Base vehicle: 1996 Geo Metro
- Top speed 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Range 60 km (37 mi)-70 km (43 mi)
- Three phase AC motor
- Single-speed gearbox
- 156 volt battery pack (thirteen 12 volt lead–acid gel cells)
- Zero emissions at the tailpipe
In 1994, the Force was available as a four-seat or two-seat model, with the two-seat model gaining additional range. The standard storage battery used lead–acid chemistry, and a nickel-cadmium battery was optional. The base price of the four-seat, lead–acid Force was US$26,050 (equivalent to $54,000 in 2023), rising to US$28,280 (equivalent to $58,000 in 2023) for the two-seat, lead–acid version and US$59,350 (equivalent to $122,000 in 2023) for the two-seat, NiCd battery. Rated range varied from 60 to 120 mi (97 to 193 km).[4] By 1998, the NiCd battery option had been dropped in favor of the NiMH battery. The traction motor had an output that varied by the battery pack fitted; at 156 V, output was 38 kW (51 hp), increasing to 42 kW (56 hp) at 180 V. The observed energy consumption was 137 Wh/mi (246 mpg‑e) at a steady 45 mph (72 km/h).[5]
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Front compartment -
Rear compartment
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Sherman, Joe (1998). Charging Ahead. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-509479-4.
- ^ "Solectria Force Price List". 1997-10-17. Archived from the original on 1997-10-17. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
- ^ "TransOptions : America's Longest Running Station Car Program". EVworld.com, Bill Moore, April 22, 2001.
- ^ "The Solectria Force at a Glance" (PDF). Solectria Corporation. April 1994. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "Force Electric 4-Door Sedan" (PDF). Solectria Corporation. 1998. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
External links
edit
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