Electric vehicle classes at SUNY Farmingdale

Carl Vogel has just been selected to teach a set of electric vehicle courses at SUNY Farmingdale for fall of 2010. Class will teach the students all they need to know about vehicle design, systems, batteries, motors, controllers, and so much more. Would love your input on what you would like the class to cover.

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Me!

Synopsis

A step-by-step guide to building an electric motorcycle from the ground up Click here for Barnes and Noble Link.
Written by alternative fuel expert Carl Vogel, this hands-on guide gives you the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a two-wheeled electric vehicle—from a streamlined scooter to a full-sized motorcycle.
Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle puts you in hog heaven when it comes to hitting the road on a reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly bike. Inside, you'll find complete details on every component, including motor, batteries, and frame. The book covers electric motorcycles currently on the market and explains how to convert an existing vehicle. Pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphs illustrate each step along the way. Whether you want to get around town on a sleek ride or cruise the super slab on a tricked-out chopper, this is the book for you.
Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle covers:

• Energy savings and environmental benefits
• Rake, trail, and fork angle
• Frame and design
• Batteries and chargers
• DC and AC motor types
• Motor controllers
• Accessories and converters
• Electrical system and wiring
• Conversion process
• Safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Biography

Carl Vogel is the president of Vogelbilt Corporation, a research, engineering, and development company for alternative fuels, alternative fueled vehicles and EV's. Vogelbilt is in the process of building a renewable fueling station. Carl is also the president of the Greater NY Electrical Auto Association and board of director for the national Electric Auto Association. Prior to that, he worked at Festo Corporation and Curtis instruments, planning and designing robotic and programmable logic controller applications, as well as designing test equipment for electric vehicles. Carl also teaches at SUNY Farmingdale, expanding the electric vehicle and fuel cell operations on campus. Carl has a background in agriculture, business and over 25 years as a marine technician.

Diesel Motorcycle

I think my next project, one of a few will be a full-sized diesel motorcycle for full production. I see this not as just a vehicle for the USA, but for many third world countries. The diesel can run on multiple clean cheap fuels. With the new technology, diesels are clean and efficient. Any thoughts on this?

Hybrid Electric Boat

Contemplating building an hybrid electric boat. Some ideas are to use an efficient diesel generator system with bio fuel, solar and a custom electric outboard motor with a 100hp electric motor. The boat will house an array of batteries. Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas?