Robert Riley’s XR3 is an incredible machine that is able to achieve over 125mpg on biodiesel and a whoping 225mpg in hybrid mode. With its sleek composite shell and ultra-efficient engine we were expecting to see a stratospheric price tag, however we were stunned to hear that the you can build it yourself for around $25,000! (assembly and parts not included).
Robert Riley designed the XR3 as a three-wheeled hybrid that can be assembled using readily available parts. Weighing in at 1480 pounds, the vehicle It has a top speed of above 80mph, Its battery can take you for 40 miles on a charge, and it can be recharged by simply plugging it into a wall socket.
The XR3 is not sold as a fully assembled vehicle – instead, buyers purchase plans from the designer in the form of a DVD. According to the website, the creation of the vehicle itself is not difficult and anyone with moderate skills will be able to assemble it:
Plans enable people with common building skills to build a duplicate of the XR3 Hybrid prototype or convert their own car into a significantly more fuel-efficient vehicle. 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.
The XR3‘s manual estimates its total construction cost to be around $25,000, although depending on certain choices the cost could be reduced to $7,500. Our only criticism? The DVD is windows-only.
Via ETA
6 Responses to “TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: The XR3 Do-it-yourself Hybrid”
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Wow… This is a very atractive price for me, when I’m going to buy my first car.. Just make the design better, or I’ll buy a Lotus and put in my own electric engine..
Preventive Auto Parts thinks this concept car is very cool. I am sure over time these cars will become more and more familiar to the public. I would like to see a sales lot full of these XR3\\\’s with builder/mechanics available to create as requested.
There is a reason that folks sell this type of product as a kit. Usually, the most common is it didn’t meet transportation safety guidelines. Before anyone purchases something like this, they had better check into whether or not they will be able to license it for street use. Where I live (Alaska), a three wheeled vehicle is classified as a motorcycle. In order to register a motorcycle, the frame must have a USDOT certified marque permanently attached (I know this because I tried and was unable to register a custom built motorcycle). Unless this company provides such a certification (which most companies will not do if they are not the ones assembling the vehicle), the purchaser may be unable to register this vehicle.
The question has to be asked, why does this individual not sell this car as is? If we the people can make the car for 25 k then surely the inventor can mass produce it for much less and resell it to dealers or to the public directly. I would love to hear an answer to this question via email and would be happy to assist in building a company if financing is the issue.
I would like to be kept informed of your progress. Pricess. etc.
please “connect me” asap, I want as much access as possible. I definitely want to make, build, access info to subsequently have the XR3.