October last year might seem like ancient history now, but it was little more than six months ago that Swindon Powertrain announced its HPD EV system - an 80kW electric motor aimed at OEMs as well as home mechanics - would be available to order from June 2020. And here we are, four days from the start of June, with the HPD available to order - smart work.
More than that, this is now a smaller and lighter package than first billed. What was going to be 600mm wide, 440mm deep, 280mm tall and 70kg is now 441mm x 384mm x 228mm, and weighs 49.9kg with all lubricants. Power is still rated an 80kW, or 110hp.
Price is of course the other important factor to consider with projects like this, given Swindon's pitch the home mechanic (in addition to larger companies). Well, there's good news to report there, too, especially in light of comments back in October suggesting the HPD might cost £20,000. Swindon has opened orders on the HPD today, with prices starting at £6,400 plus VAT and inclusive of the transmission and differential. The latest releases says "options for cooling, inverters and limited-slip differential" are offered as well, depending on where the motor is being located and what's required for it. As also highlighted in the forum posts on the original story, any budding EV builder would have to factor in the (significant) cost of batteries in addition.
Despite what might be seen as some considerable complexity by those of us who struggle with the right end of a spanner, Swindon Powertrains said it has received more than 400 expressions of interest for the HPD from all comers. There has been OEM pre-orders, including a commitment to further R&D, as well as those from DIYers.
Swindon's MD Raphaël Caillé said: "HPD is a new, properly engineered system with a years' warranty. With deliveries starting in August, now could be the ideal time to start planning a project." And who's to argue with that? Conventional holidays look like having a summer off, so perhaps 2020 really is the year to get a project off the ground. Deliveries have only been delayed by a month, and we'll surely be spending a great deal more time at home for the rest of the year. Sounds like ideal timing to us...
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