The XR3 Hybrid
A Three-Wheel Super-Mileage Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
You can build from plans...

Featured in Discovery Channel's NextWorld episode, "Future Radical Vehicles"

Plans and Instructions
Click for Details Deluxe plans, $200 Standard Plans, $170 Plans on Disc, $99.50
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Click image below for XR3 video brochure, courtesy XR3 Motors LLC

In truth, the ideas and images in men's minds are
the invisible powers that constantly govern them.
                                                    --John Locke

The XR3 Personal Transit Vehicle (PTV) is a super-fuel-efficient two-passenger plug-in hybrid that achieves 125 mpg on diesel power alone, 225 mpg equivalent when diesel and electric power are used in series, and performance like a conventional automobile. The design of the XR3 Hybrid is based on existing technologies and a vehicle "personality" that makes conserving energy a fun driving experience. It showcases the design ideas explored in Robert Q. Riley's book, Alternative Cars in the 21^st Century.
         At just 1480 pounds, this high-performance design combines fast acceleration, a maximum speed of 80 mph, and fuel economy of 125- to over 200-mpg.
          Its clam-shell canopy and three-wheel platform boldly differentiates the XR3 from conventional passenger cars. The vehicle's hybrid power system, diesel engine, and low curb weight are the main ingredients of its super-high fuel economy and excellent performance. Acceleration equal to that of a conventional car and a maximum speed of 80 mph make the XR3 Hybrid equally at home on freeways and surface streets.
          Plans enable people with common building skills to build a duplicate of the XR3 Hybrid prototype.  Or using the technical information in the construction manual, readers will understand the factors that influence fuel economy, and learn how to make any car achieve greater fuel economy. The XR3 Hybrid gives enthusiasts and experimenters the opportunity to significantly reduce their transportation expenses and have fun doing it. On a broader level, the vehicle is a highly visible example of the kinds of vehicles that could help reduce personal mobility energy.

Safety Features

          The front portion of the front clip is foam-filled to absorb low-speed frontal impacts. It also serves as an easily replaceable sacrificial element in the event of a frontal collision. The sides of the vehicle are filled with foam to provide side intrusion protection. This foam-filled region, varying in thickness from 5 inches to more than 10 inches, extends from the front wheel wells to the rear bulkhead of the passenger zone, and vertically from the canopy parting line to the bottom of the passenger zone. The design is significantly more resistant to side intrusion than the doors of conventional cars.
          A composite roll bar is built into the perimeter of the panel that defines the rear of the passenger zone. In addition, the canopy is equipped with a tubular steel perimeter frame which is reinforced by steel "A" pillar members. This provides excellent rollover protection.
          An open interior having no conventional instrument panel or steering column provides forward excursion space for occupant deceleration during a frontal collision. Controlled deceleration is provided by conventional seat belts.
          There is no conventional steering column. The steering wheel is supported from the side. The supporting structure is designed to break away in a frontal collision. It is not designed to resist/carry the loads that would typically be imposed by the forward excursion of the driver.

(During a frontal collision, air bags prevent occupants from impacting the interior of the vehicle. Air bags are unnecessary in the absence of nearby interior structures that may be impacted by forward excursion of occupants.)

Construction Costs

          Construction costs are highly variable because of the many choices available due to the XR3's design. It's a modular design that lets builders make choices according to their budget and performance goals. More than half the cost of parts for the XR3 prototype went to the electric propulsion system. Electric propulsion components alone cost more than the cost to build the entire remainder of the vehicle, including the diesel power train.
          At the upper limit, a duplicate of our Li-Ion-powered prototype will top $25,000. If you switch to lead-acid batteries, you can save the difference in cost between the two types of battery systems. Li-Ion batteries in the prototype cost about $7,500 ($9,000 delivered with a battery management module) and a lead-acid battery pack will cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
          At the bottom end of the scale, a diesel-only vehicle capable of achieving 125-mpg can be built for less than $10,000. And the modularity of the design allows you to begin with a diesel-only vehicle then add the electric power train components later on. It's simply a matter of leaving off the unwanted components. With a diesel-only version, you can enlarge the 3-gallon fuel tank to 9 gallons and end up with a range of over 1,000 miles on a single fill-up.
          Similar options are available with a battery-only vehicle. One can simply leave off the combustion power system, install more batteries in the extra space up front, and end up with a BEV capable of driving 100 miles on a charge. Li-ion batteries can be recharged in about two-hours.  A full recharge of lead-acid batteries normally takes 6 to 8 hours. 
          These cost-related choices also affect the performance of the vehicle. For example, leaving off the electric propulsion system reduces vehicle weight from nearly 1500 pounds to about 950 pounds. This improves diesel-only fuel economy and acceleration.

Plans

          Plans are available in three variations, Standard, Deluxe, and Plans-on-Disc.  The  Standard Plans Package is $170. The package includes eighteen D-size (24 x 36 inch) drawing sheets, one 32 x 64 inch full-size template sheet, and a 149-page construction/technical manual with over 200 photos and illustrations.
         The Deluxe Plans Package is $200. The Deluxe version includes everything from the Standard version, plus two CD-ROMs and one DVD. Click the link for an image of the Deluxe Plans Package with a listing of the printed material and discs.
         The XR3 Plans-on-Disc Package is $99.50. It includes the three discs that come with the Deluxe Plans Package. This is a complete set of plans with the plan sheets and manual in electronic format, both of which can be printed. Click here to see an image of the Plans-on-Disc Package.
          One of the CD-ROMs (Deluxe Plans and Plans-on-Disc) contains SolidWorks 2D CAD drawings and 3D models, along with the DXF files necessary for water-jet or laser cutting flat metal parts. The DXF files save lots of expense because your vendor will not have to create the necessary files for tool-path information (for automatic processes). The other CD-ROM contains a construction manual that runs in a web browser with click-to-enlarge high-resolution color photos, video clips, and 2D drawings and 3D models in eDrawings format, plus full-size files of the large drawing sheets in PDF format. An eDrawings viewer for Windows is provided on the CD-ROM. The CD-ROM also contains links where you can download free eDrawings viewers for Macintosh machines and in languages other than English. The viewer lets you zoom, pan, rotate and take dimensions in 3D space, and you can isolate particular parts from assemblies and create cross-section views.
          The DVD contains over one hour of video of the vehicle being built. It's a "reality TV" show, not a Hollywood production. The two prototyping technicians who built the XR3 had no prior experience with fiberglass. So the video includes minimally-edited clips taken at various stages of construction, along with verbal instructions and comments on the particular operation. It also contains clips of the first test drive, on the road video taken during the Discovery Channel shoot, and neighborhood clips of the XR3 running on electric power alone.
          When you purchase plans you will be automatically subscribed to a password-protected update site. Your user name and password will be emailed to you when your plans are shipped. You will receive periodic notifications of updates when new content has been added to the update site. You can unsubscribe at any time, but the update site lets you stay informed on the latest developments and improvements to the XR3 Hybrid plans. New information that will be added includes: additional computer files, new drawings and photographs, new techniques for building, and new resources and vendors.
          If you'd like to try the eDrawings viewer, you can download an executable eDrawings file (in a zipped packet) of the Front Wheel and Knuckle Assembly model (4.80 MB) by clicking on the foregoing link. You have the option to either Run or Save the file.

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Kits

          Using our construction plans, the XR-3 can be built in an ordinary workshop or garage, just as the prototype was built. It uses the same techniques used to build Tri-Magnum. Click on FRP/foam composite for a document that shows the composite system used to build the body for the XR3.
         Kits are on the agenda. Kits and completed vehicles will be supplied by XR3 Motors LLC. A link to the XR3 Motors LLC website will appear on this page when the site is open to the public.
          Body kits will be supplied as unassembled panels that builders can bond together. In addition to enabling the lowest price, this type of kit also reduces packaging and shipping costs. Frame kits will consist of a welded-together assembly.
          The price of kits has not been established.          

Completed Vehicles

          Information is not available at this time. When the XR3 Motors LLC Website is open to the public, a link to the site will appear on this page.

About the Designer