Introducing Dagne September 8, 2008 |
How do you feel about an unconventional vehicle like Dagne? Would you want to drive her?
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I think the concept is outstanding, and I would drive one. The only reservations I have are 1. Is the Joystick as reflexive as the standard automobile controls that I am used to. 2. Why does it have dual drive motors in the front? I would think that one for the rear wheel is enough.
Comment by Weston — September 11, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Heck yeah I would drive one of these! I’d love to get my hands on the open air frame-only version… I just wish it was available sooner. I’m convinced that three-wheeled commuter vehicles are the future.
Comment by MustardMan — September 11, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
this thing is sweet, how do I sign up to be a test pilot? I would like to try the joystick controls.
Comment by jerome7l — September 11, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
Yes I would love to drive her!!!!
Comment by Miracleman89 — September 12, 2008 @ 7:40 am
Yes-I have been following the Venture Vehicles V1 for some time and your vehicles are both interesting.
Comment by bigandugly — September 12, 2008 @ 8:06 am
I am very interested. I live just outside Anchorage in Alaska. First question, of course, will there be a heater? Will it be able to plug in to a house charge? How will it handle in inclement weather?
Comment by AKP23 — September 12, 2008 @ 11:22 am
Sure, I’d give that a test drive in a heartbeat!
Comment by walton — September 12, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Absolutely. From the description of this vehicle, it is everything that got me excited about the VentureOne, but it really exists. (Also, the joystick control is going to be extremely awesome).
Comment by byteware — September 12, 2008 @ 11:52 am
love many things about the concept. Little skepitcal of some of the claims as other companies have made the same ones and fallen flat on thier faces. Love the name and the meaning behind it. Lastly the name gives it a female persona in my opinion and I love that also as all my vehicles have had female persona’s which makes them more personable to me.
Comment by setters4ever — September 12, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
part 2. I am a little bit of a ADHD rambler so please excuse the disjointed thoughts. My minimum requirements fro my next new vehicle.
1. EV only range of 80 miles or better
2. cost under $30,000
3. enough space to hold 3 bags of groceries and 2 gallons of milk.
4. Top speed 80 MPH or better
5. Heater AC (Minnesota driving)
Nothing on or near the market can come close. I pray that you are the ones to do so, until then I will be buying used “get me by” vehicles.
Comment by setters4ever — September 12, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Handsome looking machine, clever hybrid design. Hope the price projection of under $20,000 works out, instead of going through the roof and exceeding the perception of good value. I would have one in a minute, and welcome the opportunity to drive one.
-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA
Comment by Peder_y2k — September 12, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
I would love to drive this vehicle !
Comment by timo — September 12, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the e-mail. Next year is going to be very interesting with all the cool designs entering the X-prize. I’m glad to see that many of my ‘Flytheroadclub’ friends have made positive comments about your concept vehicle. There is a strong customer base for alternatives to the boring vehicles that the big auto-manufacturers try to sell us. Please try as hard as you can to bring your vehicle to market before 2011. You build it we’ll buy it!!!!!
Comment by Charles — September 13, 2008 @ 12:52 am
Really intrigued by this, can’t wait to learn more.
Comment by meckman1 — September 13, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
Your prototype looks great. Love the idea that Dagne will have 2 front wheels that should provide very stable steering and braking. I would love to see how your tilting system works. I’ve never driven on the road using a joy stick but I would love to try it. Any time you need a Ginny pig I’m an hour down the 101. Good luck!
Earl
Comment by cearlnot — September 13, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
Absolutely I want to drive her! I’m impressed to see you have a running prototype. I hope you can bring her to market at close to specs and price. The joystick is a little risky… could turn out good or bad depending on how well it works. Many Venture fans here I see. The sooner you can bring her to production, the better. Best of luck!
Comment by RAN — September 13, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
As i said before, “I WOULD LOVE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE”
I have told many people about you at the co. where I work and have not gotten any negative feedback as a matter of fact people like the fact that you’re not just
selling a car but a real solution to the many problems that the world is in today … I really like your ideas
I hope this car gets to market soon… Thank you for having a vision!!!!
Comment by timo — September 13, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Not much of a blog, but hey!, you’ve just started.
I, too, would love to drive this vehicle. It would make a perfect daily commuter.
Not so sure about the joystick, though. From the prototype photo, it doesn’t look like it’s in the middle so I hope there is one on either side or is movable.
Comment by mt2 — September 13, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
The “tadpole” design with two front wheels is the way to go. I have a recumbent trike using a tadpole design and it handles much better than the “delta” designs using a single wheel in the front. Given the tilting feature, the Dagne should be a winner. Where does the line start to test drive the Dagne EV?
Comment by L. A. — September 13, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
I want one, presuming there will be air conditioning and a few other normal amenities (cruise control, sound system, airbags). The JOYSTICK thing bothers me. Not all of us are from the video game generation who intuitively use joysticks. Give us a steering wheel option.
Pricing looks attractive, design is appealing, technology sounds exciting.
Best of all, your company seems real. Venture Vehicles, for example, is rapidly descending into the realm of vapoerware, while Revolution Motors looks exciting. SIGN ME UP!
Comment by BeerBrewer — September 14, 2008 @ 4:28 am
Can I drive down from Oregon right now and drive the test vehicle????? So that is a YES. One concern, coming from a motorcycle background. Since all three wheels lean, you will have to use motorcycle wheels on all three. Motorcycle tires are notoriously short lived. I’d hate to get the vehicle I’ve been looking for for several years only to end up with something that needs all new rubber every 8K.
Comment by beeson — September 14, 2008 @ 9:20 am
I have the same concerns as Beeson. We need to look at the total cost of ownership. If we save on gas only to payout on maintenance (i.e. tires, batteries, etc) there is no benefit to owning a Dagne. I think generally you replace the rear tire on the motorcycle twice as often as the front. So, with three-wheel-drive maybe we have to replace the tires every 12,000 miles. Even so this is 2 1/2 to 3 times more often than with a car and motorcycle tires are more expensive. Maybe that’s the price we pay for the fun we’ll have driving it?
Comment by Charles — September 15, 2008 @ 6:55 am
Interesting design concept. Is the tilting movement mechanical or assisted or what? I know it’s a prototype, but entry is racecar style through a window? I don’t think so.
You might like the joystick idea, but few others will. I’ve flown with a joystick. It’s great for an airplane. But brakes are still by pedal control. Brake control with a joystick will NOT work IMO.
Yeh, I’m interested enough to come do a test drive.
When you’re ready to design the body shell or production parts, I’d be more than happy to assist you with the 3D CAD design. That’s what I do.
Interact with us and we would be happy to help you along where we can.
Comment by Jack Willard — September 18, 2008 @ 7:06 am
Yes, I would love to test drive this vehicle
Comment by jmeineck — September 22, 2008 @ 8:01 am
Wow!!! Absolutely without a doubt I would love driving her! She is simply gorgeous!
I, like many others here it seems, have come from VV in search of some substance. I hope that this can become a reality. Three wheeled electric vehicles will be the commuters choice for the future!
Keep up the great work as we all anxiously await more info.
Comment by MrCCG — September 23, 2008 @ 8:10 am
I want one now….I would love to drive it. I live in florida so let me now if you want a high humidity and heat test driver.
Comment by DeWayne Kunkel — September 27, 2008 @ 6:16 am
OK I’m another VV’er who is on the prowl for a vehicle like this. I’ve been following their (VV) for some time now although haven’t done much posting. Things just don’t seem to be moving along for them. I fly a plane with a side joy stick and transitioning that to a road vehicle seems like a possibility. After all if we can transition from 4 wheels to 3, and from a non leaning vehicle to one that leans, we ought to be able to use a joy stick. Of course, a steering wheel option should be made available.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Comment by Bob Townsend — September 28, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
First off I’m not a green guy but you have my attention. If this were available today I would be in line to buy one. I love the looks of the concept. I’m especially excited about AWD and the use of a microturbine for charging. Almost unlimited choice in fuels is an excellent selling point. It looks to be a blast to drive. Thats the problem with a lot of green vehicles its hard to be excited about driving a slug with recycled(uncomfortable)seats. Please focus on fun,comfort,safety,and performance.None of these things have to be mutually exclusive to each other or to being environmentally friendly. I’m excited to say thats a concept Revolution Motors seems to understand.
I do have concerns about the use of the Joystick for braking and aceleration. I would much prefer a tradional steering wheel/flight yoke,brake,and acellorator pedals. I would also love to see the inclusion of an automotive heat pump for heating and cooling. It would also be nice to have a standard double din opening for the entertainment package for thoes who would prefer to upgrade the stereo/navigation.
The ability to pull a small motorcyle trailer for extended trips would also be a plus.
You have a beautiful concept here and the fact that you have a proof of concept prototype in such a short period of time is very exciting. Keep up the good work.
Best wishes, Ed Hughes
Comment by SpookyXJ — September 29, 2008 @ 6:53 am
I’d love to drive this!! I love the fact that all 3 wheels will be powered! Get this into production before VV, and it will be a hit!
Comment by Mike kZ — September 29, 2008 @ 7:35 am
Your vehicle looks to be incredibly interesting. As you may know, we have a Venture Vehicle enthusiasts club which is coming on its first anniversary next month. We have MANY members who fell in love with their concept, but are now getting upset at the broken promises and missed deadlines that Ian and VV have made.
It seems YOUR VEHICLE is now filling the gap, and generating a LARGE amount of excitment for our members. We would simply LOVE to be an outlet of ANY new information that you would like to share. And, heck, if things keep going as they are now with VV, we may just change our club into a Revolution Motors/Dagne enthusiasts forum! And that is no joke.
Good work. I look forward to seeing your vehicle completed, and even giving it a test drive.
Derwin Beushausen
Comment by Derwin — September 29, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
I’d love to test drive this vehicle.
Comment by denisg — September 29, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Let’s see– High fuel economy. Loads of fun. Innovative ideas. Leans into the curves (A must for a life-long biker!).
Of course I’d drive it! I’m already in line to buy one!
Comment by DHag — October 3, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Another Venture Vehicles fan here, and absolutely would I drive Dagne! The concept and the spec’s are those of a real winner!
My humble request would be to put emphasis on safety, a strong frame and impact beams, good restraints (glad to see a 4 or 5 point restraint in the prototype photos), airbags, front bumper, and voluntary crash testing. If I cannot convince my wife she’s safe then I can’t buy and drive her.
I love the idea of a joystick (maybe redundant joysticks, left and right, for both safety and comfort). Joystick braking is OK–might take a little getting used to–but I would want a mechanical emergency/parking brake (foot or hand operated).
Best of luck to you!
Comment by FlyUS287 — October 3, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
This will be freakin fantastic! I hope to make this my first car. This is definitely the future of transportation. I love the idea of the solar panel on my roof that actually charges it. Very cool.
Just please, please, PLEASE don’t be like the other car makers and have awesome looking concepts that result in watered down production versions.
I wonder if it will be ok in freezing conditions like a Colorado winter?
Hope you set up shop somewhere here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas region.
Comment by marc3467 — October 4, 2008 @ 1:14 am
If your gonna be a Highway Pilot, a joystick is a great way to fly.
Comment by Gunner — October 4, 2008 @ 8:24 am
Great Concept, I’ve always liked the “Tadpole” design. I’m a little concerned about the “Joystick” controls, However, I am open to the idea (seems like fun). Hopefully, you can keep this blog pure (questions and answers) and not allow it to deteriorate like the Venture Vehicle blog. Look foward to further progress and updates.
Comment by BURGMAN — October 7, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
You bet I want one! Give me about ten minutes or so to acclimate to the joystick control – which sounds totally awesome, by the way – and then stand back and watch out!
My wife is actually a bit concerned about my devotion to the Dagne. I’ve only recently seen the Dagne and have been telling everyone I know about my “new car”. Sure hope my current sedan will survive long enough to get put under a dust cover when the Dagne shows up in the driveway.
Comment by NEParis — October 9, 2008 @ 7:18 am
I too came from the VV world and would love to drive one of these. The specs sound good and so does the price. As far as the joystick is concerned, I love the idea. As mentioned by someone else it would definitely make it feel like you are flying down the road. I would also like for it to have heating/ac as I live in Utah lots of mountains with curvy roads and some days I use both the heat and ac in my car. If I had to choose I would prefer the heat over the ac. Windows can be rolled down to cool off but you can’t really do that to warm up a car when it is 4 degrees outside.
Comment by Knighthawk — October 16, 2008 @ 6:09 am
Yes, I would drive it and I like it’s design thus far. I would strongly consider buying one.
Comment by Hardtime11 — October 18, 2008 @ 10:20 am
As a long-time woman motorcyclist who, as of today, is “on Medicare I’m fascinated by this vehicle and would definitely like to drive it. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to continue riding my bike but the prospect of taxiing a Dagne out of my garage might just relieve the pain of retiring the two-wheeler. Not only that, but Dagne looks like a practical, fun way to take care of the mundane errands that need to be done every day. Who knows, maybe I could sell both my car and my bike. Be careful but please hurry while I still have my flexibility!
Comment by Chris — November 1, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
gorgeous…
I have done something for a bicycle - needy no hydraulics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwMyzp4K1f4
Did you contact Volkswagen? Their 1l vehicle was not tilting I assume?
cheers
Efried
Comment by Efried — November 3, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
While we are all anxiously waiting for ‘funding’ and the building of the BETA, how about throwing out some ‘ideas’ for the FRONT END design? Integrating the tilting body, and the canting/turning front wheels should present some interesting engineering/design ‘challenges’. Your depiction of the 1/4 ‘Rear View’ on the HOME page is beautiful, but I would also like to see what others might see when I am ‘coming toward’ them. How about posting some early ’sketches’, and getting ‘potential customer’ feedback?
Comment by Roger W. — December 21, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Roger, as you correctly point out, there are unique challenges in how Dagne’s front end is designed to accommodate the range of articulation through lean and steer. We have several ideas for how the front end might look, but we could not afford the time of designers in our bootstrapped phase to produce renderings of these ideas that we can share with you. We are eager to tackle this problem and converge on a solution; you can be confident that we will share our designs with you as soon as we can afford to produce them.
Comment by Ben Werner — December 22, 2008 @ 11:01 am
Is there another forum? There are never any new postings at this site.
Comment by BeerBrewer — February 11, 2009 @ 5:42 am
I would not have interest in test driving this, as I would not come back with it. At the point of me closing the cockpit I would consider it mine (laws be darn) and drive not Test away with my new favorite toy. HURRY UP ALREADY! I have a lot of open Texas Roads that need exploring.
Comment by Jrat — September 29, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Ben, with the recent ‘change’ to the funding bill before congress, that would allow 3-wheeled vehicle to ’share’ in some of the available money; does Revolution Motors plan to APPLY? Many of us are counting on the DAGNE to keep rolling toward PRODUCTION. How about some more INFO on what you at RM are DOING with DAGNE (engineering, design, testing, etc.), until more ‘production’ funding becomes available.
Comment by Roger W. — October 20, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Hi Roger,
As it turns out, we played a role in getting the recent legislation passed that opens up low-interest loans from the DoE to 2 and 3-wheeled vehicles (we worked with Aptera on this). We already have an application in place. We are also seeking shorter-term funding from the California Energy Commission, something we have been working on for the past 6 months, and hope will come through within the next couple months. With some cash in the bank we will be able to resume our engineering, development, and production efforts full time - you will start seeing a lot more out of us. Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed or us.
Comment by Ben Werner — October 20, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
Is there any way you could set up an automatic email alert to let us know of new blog postings or news regarding the Dagne?
Comment by Cdog — November 13, 2009 @ 11:00 am
Cdog - We don’t have an email alert for new blog postings set up yet, but we will do that. In the meantime we do have an email list for newscasts, so if you haven’t yet sent an email to support@revolutionmotors.biz please do so, and we’ll put you on the list for updates.
Comment by Ben Werner — November 16, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
Hey Ben, been ‘quiet’ for quite a while, any news to report? Hope some funding came through; sure would like to see the prototype (or second generation) back on the road!
Comment by Roger W. — April 20, 2010 @ 7:12 am
Hi Roger - thanks for checking in. I am currently writing a grant proposal to the State of California following some successful lobbying in 2009 to create the opportunity. Keep your fingers crossed!
Comment by Ben Werner — April 20, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Hi Ben, Can you give us an update on the progress of the grant application? Any new on the alpha vehicle?
Release it in kit form and we’ll put it together ourselves.
Regards,
Charles
Comment by Charles — July 18, 2010 @ 3:48 am
Hi Charles - We expect to hear about the grant sometime in August. Thanks for keeping on us
Comment by Ben Werner — July 19, 2010 @ 1:49 pm