| 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) |
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.
History
The 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
For 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]
-
Front compartment -
Rear compartment
See also
References
- ^ 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
 | This article about a modern automobile produced after 1975 is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |