Over 200 mpg hybrid Riley XR-3 kit car; 1st Prototype Built
First Prototype Built -- the XR-3
Update: Jun 9, 2009
Update: Plans went on sale Aug. 6th 2008
2009:
"Kits are on the agenda. Kits and completed vehicles will be supplied by XR3 Motors LLC." An XR3 Motors LLC website will be created.
From www.rqRiley.com
The XR-3 Hybrid is a super-fuel-efficient two-passenger plug-in hybrid that achieves 125 mpg on diesel power alone, 225 mpg on combined diesel and electric power, and performance like a conventional automobile. ... At just 1300 pounds, this high-performance design combines lightening-fast acceleration, a maximum speed of 85 mph, and fuel economy of 125- to over 200-mpg. ...
The XR-3 is designed as a plug-in hybrid. This makes it possible to drive on battery power alone on trips of about 40 miles. In other words, on short trips you never have to turn on the diesel engine. Fuel economy is about 125-mpg on diesel power alone.
With the XR-3, the two front wheels are powered by the ICE engine, and the single rear wheel is electric powered. The two power systems are not integrated within the vehicle. The connection between the ICE and the electric power systems is provided by the ground. Proper phase-in between the two power systems is handled by a simple throttle mechanism, and a dash-mounted switch to select between ICE power, electric power, and dual power modes. In the dual power mode, the XR-3 will have lots of burst power for outstanding acceleration.
kits are on the agenda.
Initially, we will provide frame kits and body kits having only those components that you would otherwise have to specially build. 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.
Specifications
| Seating | Two, side-by-side |
| Wheelbase | 88 inch |
| Track: | 66 inch |
| Curb Weight | 1300 lb |
| Height | 43 inch |
| Engine | Kubota D902 tractor engine |
| Motor | Advanced DC 8-inch motor |
| Transmission | VW Type 1 |
2010
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.
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contact Obama! 
I own a small company doing CNC machining. I just recently came across this idea and I am very interested. I would love to create kits and make precision machined parts for these kits that would be affordable and easy to replace. I have no idea how much interest there is but if there is a market for these parts please feel free to email me back and we can get the ball rolling. Thanks.
I think you could make a "bundle!" doing it. Especially since Riley seems to have no interest in it.
Build a demo, and start taking orders as fast as you can build them!
-ed
I agree with John, somebody needs to step up to the plate. The XR3 looks like a wonderful vehicle and not everybody has time to build a body from scratch. I was hoping to put one on the road by 2011. Yes somebody could make a living building those things. We need more jobs! We need kits. It would make a lot of people happy.
Does anyone out there have or has created one of these? I'm so intrigued but I don't want to create one from scratch
It is sad. Riley has been selling his "plans" since 2007 and today, 3 years later, has only been able to build 1 prototype. He has not one single kit to offer though he has also been talking about them for years. He must be getting constant pressure to build and sell completed vehicles, but he will only say "Information is not available at this time." Like you, none of us wants to have incomplete parts sitting in our garages for years as we try to assemble one from scratch. Years ago we put up this page hoping he would "get serious", "get on the stick", and "get going" with some production models. For the past year or more, it has become clear that we can "forgedaboudit". It's too bad. If he would only come out with the kits, someone else could make a living putting them together and selling them. But, ... no.
-editor