London's Popular Electric Vehicle Gets an Upgrade: The G-Wiz i
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 12. 3.07
It seems the folks at UK-based electric vehicle retailer GoinGreen had good reason for their recent pre-Christmas clear out. They are now taking orders for the new, improved version of their popular Indian-made G-Wiz commuter vehicle. According to the company’s website, the G-Wiz i features a whole raft of improvements, including roomier cabin layout, an extended range of up to 48 miles per charge (previously 40), and an increased top speed of 50mph (previously 45).
Importantly, given the fact that the G-Wiz has come under fire for its crash test performance, the vehicle also features new and improved safety features including increased front and side impact protection (developed in collaboration with Lotus), a strengthened space frame, a collapsible steering column, a hill rolling restraint feature, plus new front disc brakes that deliver a 30% improvement in performance. It should be noted that because the vehicle is officially classed as a quadricycle, it is not legally required to undergo the same rigorous tests as a car. GoinGreen has now voluntarily submitted the G-Wiz to a front-impact crash test at 25mph but, especially given the new top speed, we don’t expect this will completely silence those concerned with the G-Wiz’s safety. We are, however, pleased to see the company investing in both safety and performance improvements, and we hope to see them making continued efforts in the future. ::GoinGreen::via site visit::
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv-RMbtKjLU
jeremy clarckson isn't a very green guy but his way of illustrating the problems of the gwiz is absolutly fantastic
I remain a believer in (small) diesel engines until there is a suitable alternative...
If the three ton tanks would get the hell off the road it wouldn't be such a problem.
Authorities impose all sorts of burdens on new electric cars but have no problem with 100hp motorcycles that can kill a teenager in nothing flat. Sometimes I wonder who's side they are on.
b fearn,
You make a good point. The standards for cars vs motorcycles seem to be in completely different worlds. I've never heard of a "quadricycle" before, but I wonder what makes it different from a regular passenger vehicle.
As a biker myself, I do see one reason for the difference in safety standards. The fact is, every time I get on my bike, i realize if I want any protection between me and the pavement or somebody's windshield then I'll have to strap that protection onto myself. On the other hand, when somebody belts themself into an enclosed vehicle, they expect the vehicle to provide protection in case of a crash. As far as I'm concerned people should be able to drive whatever they want, but a vehicle that becomes a death trap in a 25 mph crash should come with the same types of warnings about wearing safety gear as a motorcycle.
"If the three ton tanks would get the hell off the road it wouldn't be such a problem."
Amen to that one! I almost got run into today by a Dodge Ram.
There is no contest between a small Chevy Metro and a huge SUV or pick-up tank.
The same car would have cost me approx 4000 pounds or less in india(taken one INR= 80 pounds)
Where as the upgarded one costs 3000 pound more!!!! in uk.
But I am happy that we get it for less price in India ,at the same time unhappy that the people here wont take an electric car and chooses a petrol car!!,I dont know why??
May be they are not much concerned about the consequences about the global warming in contrary to the Britons.
Congrats for all the good supporters who use this vechicle around the world.
When are we going to get cars like this in the states?