Lightning Hybrids Technical Solutions

We have recently clarified our Technical Solutions on our webpage and wanted to post them here as well.

We welcome questions and comments.

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Engine/Power Plant Technology
The 2010 and 2011 versions of the LH3 and LH4 will showcase a 90 HP Diesel/BioDiesel engine currently rated at 90 MPG in Europe, mated in parallel to a 150 HP Hydraulic motor/pump and accumulator system. The parallel system will provide 0-60 MPH in less than 6 seconds, and full highway cruising speeds, with an estimated top speed of 110 MPH.

By 2012, Lightning Hybrids will offer an exclusive new engine currently under development. The specific design details are still secret, pending US and international patent filings. Several patent filings are underway, the most significant attributable to Sam Johnson's design of an integrated hydraulic axial piston engine. Specific features of the power drive-train are as follows:
• 100 HP and 100 Lbs
• biodiesel or diesel
• true cylinder deactivation for high part load efficiency
• no transmission
• no valves, flywheel or crankshaft weights
• 150 MPG

Hydraulic Storage Technology
A small carbon fiber accumulator operating between 5000-7000 psi will provide for braking recovery energy storage, and will provide power for a full throttle launch to 60 MPH in under 6 seconds.

Vehicle Chassis
Conventional frame design techniques fabricated from chrome molybdenum tubing provide the major structural elements. By the 2012 model year, we expect to replace all metal with Carbon Fiber, to further reduce weight and increase structural stiffness.

Vehicle Shell and Aerodynamics
Lightning Hybrids has developed a unique and ultra-fast design to prototype process. By leveraging CAD and CAM systems throughout the entire design process, a large 5-axis Router, and a proprietary approach to molding and layup, LHI can go from designing to having production body parts in less than a week. This allows for ultra fast design iteration, and the ability to develop a variety of options and configurations, with a relatively small investment.

The Engines and the Front End Body Mold

It was another busy week in the shop with everyone working long hours. We're happy to report that progress was made on the prototype engines and on the front end molds.

Prototype engine 1 - as it was when we got it from a junk yard in Germany:

The same engine after cleaning, sandblasting and painting:

Ed getting the engine work done:

The front end mold and preparation for creating the plug for the carbon fiber body:

Have a question about Lightning Hybrids or our cars and technology? Leave us a comment and we will answer it in an upcoming post.

Busy Week

It's been a busy week here. Between getting body molds underway and hosting an anchor from one of the biggest news markets in the region, there has been someone in the shop 24 hours a day for the past week

The chassis is complete and the engine is mounted. Here's a picture. It is no longer supported by the chain you see. The wood that you see shows the profile of the hood.
Also we have a mold! Below is a picture of the mold for the undercarriage body mold. One of the ways we are increasing aerodynamics is to have a smooth underside. This mold will be used to make the plugs which will then be used to create the actual carbon fiber car panels.

We also painted the lobby and some of the office spaces - it looks much more welcoming. Just in time to host Shawn Patrick, weekend anchor and reporter at 9News (Denver's NBC affiliate). They were here for over an hour and took lots of footage. As soon as we know when the spot will air we will post the info here.

And, if you are wondering... Yes, we are aware that the Denver Auto Show is only 47 days away. And yes, we will have a car ready by then!

Rev It Up!

At long last, we received our two diesel engines from the UK. We had to search high and low to find the right engines for our prototypes because of the unique features of our hybrid.

It was incredibly important for us to find the perfect engines for testing target weight, performance, size, etc. We finally found them in Germany and purchased them from Volkswagen.

What with international delivery and language barriers, the delivery process was longer than expected. So we are quite pleased at their long anticipated arrival.

As for further updates; the chassis is roughly eighty five percent completed, and we hope to have it finished by Friday. Pictures to come!