Update: ABB e-motion land speed record attempt abandoned
by TreeHugger on 05. 7.05
Since we hyped it two days ago we regret to report:
Wendover, Nevada, May 7, 2005 : ABB e=motion has abandoned its attempt to break the world electric land speed record.
The e=motion team has not yet announced whether it will attempt to break the record in the future.
After a successful trial run on an isolated highway outside of Wendover, Nevada on May 4, the car - which is powered by an ABB variable speed drive and two 50 hp ABB motors - experienced a series of false starts.
Technical problems arose in the car`s control circuits, preventing it from starting. A detailed investigation to find the exact nature of the fault will be done when ABB e=motion returns to the UK.
"Projects like this one are a direct reflection of our pioneering spirit," said Steve Ruddell, the manager of ABB drives and motors in the UK. "Win or lose, it is exciting for us to be involved with people like Colin and Mark who are pushing the envelope of technology." by [LA]
This is a great shame, but I'm sure they'll be back to challenge the title again soon. It's pioneers like these that will eventually make low emission vehicles a reality. With luck, they'll find out what the problem was and make sure it never happens again - commonly known as "progress".
I wish them all the best for the future.
caldini