The All New Electric Jimini Trend-E
January 2009 saw the all Electric Trend-E prototype receive its type approval at the DVLA Garretts Green, Birmingham.
On my last visit to the Jimini Workshops I saw the battery compartment now finalised and the cells installed and working perfectly. A fully intergrated socket assembly/facility is been installed for more convenience whilst charging.
Under the bonnet is quite a revelation with a small sleek motor coupled to the gearbox, there is a distinct but strange 'emptiness' to the engine compartment.
Performance tests showed a fabulous acceleration rate from standstill, with currently a very impressive top speed approaching 50mph....more than sufficient for comfortable safe motoring....And remember, this is with entry level 'Kit-One' power cell package.
It is so quiet as it takes off, with only the tyre noise, the gentle hum of the motor and the whine from the straight cut gears in the gearbox used on the prototype vehicle.
The optional and more powerful 'Kit-Two' or 'Kit-Three' power cell packages will propel it further and for longer.
Improvments are been made all the time during deveolpments, and the body is undergoing revision to allow for improved airflow and heat dissapation from the electric motor. Watch this Space!!.
A full report and photo's will be posted soon.