Seven is a Hyper-Efficient Home Built EV Built for the X Prize

[@agingwheels]

Use code AGINGWHEELS to get 100 free blade refills at hensonshaving.com/agingwheels (make sure both the razor and the blades are in your cart for the code to be applied). Thank you to Henson Shaving for sponsoring this video

[@NateCraven318]

I am so happy I decided to watch the sponsor segment that SponsorBlock would have skipped over. Thanks to your sponsorship, I've been getting the cleanest shaves I've ever had. This razor is amazing, and what's even better is that it will take literally any ten-cent double-edge razor blade out there. Best razor ever.

[@EleTruk]

In case anyone was wondering as I was, the First Place prize went to Team Edison2 and their VLC (Very Light Car). It was powered by a single cylinder 250cc motor and got 102.5 MPG. So the winner was slower, less efficient, more cramped and much noisier.

[@dr.brainzdead]

So why did it win then?

[@gamemeister27]

Damned clutch 😢

[@SuperUltimateLP]

​@dr.brainzdead it moved, the 7 was broken because there unnecessary clutch gave up

[@dr.brainzdead]

Ah, man that sucks

[@doorgoo]

What’s extra nonsense is the VLC had TWO cars entered (in that class, they also built for the other classes and they failed too) and BOTH failed before validation and they went with previous testing numbers. Basically sounds like they had no teams that made it and almost arbitrarily selected VLC to win.

[@claytheenemy]

Love that the car is still evolving well after the contest is over. Dude didnt build a car for a contest, dude used a contest as an excuse to build a car. Love it

[@Eric_Hunt194]

I love the styling... it's like what people in 1958 thought the future would look like.

[@hadtopicausername]

Actually, the shape of it reminds me a lot of some designs from the late 1930s. Like the streamliner versions of the German Grand Prix cars of that era.

[@drunkenhobo8020]

​@@hadtopicausernameYeah the Auto Union Type C Streamliner popped into my head.

[@michaelcoe5628]

I was looking at it, and near instantly thought of the Auburn Roadster and Cord, both from the 1930s.

[@jessebrook1688]

I thought of the Chrysler Phaeton, personally, from 1997.

[@michaelmechex]

As far as my basic understanding of aerodynamics go, that's the whole reason behind that round, elongated shape. Same as in the 30s, when they tried to make cars fast without putting a gigantic airplane engine into them

[@joshuaspradlin7217]

@agingwheels What a great show! I am one of the team members that helped bring 7 into existence. From drawing chalk lines on the garage floor, to helping build the actual workshop we built her in. It was a life changing experience to put it mildly. If we had this kind of support back then we would have won hands down! Regardless, I have made lifelong friendships from this experience and that is a beautiful consolation prize! Cheers!

[@FishyBoi1337]

Amazing work! I'm sorry y'all didn't win it, it sounds like y'all had it in the bag if it weren't for that darn clutch!

[@joshuaspradlin7217]

@@FishyBoi1337 yeah it’s still a bitter pill to swallow! We SMOKED the “winner” in every category.

[@AB0BA_69]

@@joshuaspradlin7217I'm surprised that "ground up" development of this vehicle was "only" 200k. I'm guessing that's only materials and does not include labor (or building the workshop). You guys did amazing work! I can absolutely believe you when you say it was a "life changing experience". 😊

[@joshuaspradlin7217]

@@AB0BA_69 yes all the labor was voluntary. We all would have got a piece of the prize should we have won. Every hour by everyone that contributed was logged and would have been compensated accordingly.

[@AB0BA_69]

@@joshuaspradlin7217 Oh yeah, I'm not saying it was unfair or anything. I would have volunteered just for the experience if I had relevant skills back then. It's a hell of a story and/or item for a resume :)

[@Drarok]

I love when the reason is "someone said it couldn't be done, so I did" - bravo!

[@HomebrewHorsepower]

It's impossible to deposit a million dollars into my checking account. Can't be done. I challenge anyone to even try.

[@TheRealAlpha2]

@@HomebrewHorsepower I applaud the effort.

[@bend8353]

- Stockton Rush

[@foximacentauri7891]

@@bend8353 the difference being, with a failing car you usually don’t kill a bunch of innocents.

[@jwalster9412]

​@@foximacentauri7891if the car caught fire, at least it has Gullwing doors that aren't bolted down, and you can actually leave because you arnt 1000s of miles deep underwater

[@krakendwaggin]

It's a crime it didn't win, really love the aesthetics of it too.

[@__a_4444]

This thing gets bonus points for looks alone. What an utterly incredible machine.

[@GrumpyIan]

It looks like an old VW. (Specifically the Karmann Ghia)

[@cwillis1778]

The dude who made the car is really funny. If you're able you should see if he wants to do a random ass project with you. No idea what but it would be a funny duo for sure. Love your content!

[@indigo8592]

That interior is so impressive for a home built vehicle, seriously impressed. Looks more like a prototype for a large company than something made in a garage!

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Thanks! It’s a far cry from the rolls of speaker fabric we originally had the interior decked out in 😂

[@ModelA]

Robert never disappoints in finding/sharing the most oddball cars imaginable.

[@klasmova2771]

the Seven ironically looks like the exact opposite of the sharp and overly detailed/designed modern EVs

[@SuperUltimateLP]

That's because we are living in a strange time we're cars tend to have a angry/brutalist look to them. Elon is really trying to make a efficient doorwedge and people want to buy it... Back in the 60s cute aerodynamic styling was king and in the 80-90 everything went flat and square because CAD wasn't as advanced yet.

[@TheGrejp]

​@@SuperUltimateLP Aerodynamic design actually started already in the 1930s and it was beautiful back then. These angry boxes we have today are not only ugly, they're unsafe for pedestrians, too.

[@MrDuncl]

Yes. What is with the trend for fake radiator grills on EVs ?

[@SuperUltimateLP]

@TheGrejp the reason I counted up from the 60s was that early aerodynamic design was just guesswork.. The "famous" example of the jaguar mark V that is aerodynamically better in reverse comes to mind. Personally i don't subscribe to the fact that modern car design is worse for pedestrians, it's the increase of size that concerns me the most. Slowly the SUV is displacing the sedan or other more practical designs (in terms of aerodynamics)

[@SuperUltimateLP]

@MrDuncl from a designers perspective it's difficult to fill the front of a vehicle without air intakes. If I look at a tesla from the front I get severely unhappy, there is something missing....

[@maxeluy]

I clicked on it because of Aging Wheels, then i was amazed by the car, and at the end i was left with the desire for a razor blade, what a roller coaster

[@TopLineRacer]

Hey man, I was the guy in the Bolt today at the charger in TN. Just wanted to drop by and say it was great meeting you guys!

[@jameslaidler2152]

The charisma the man has is astonishing. And he has the intelligence and engineering know how to back it up. The man should have his own channel, he's fun.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Why, thank you 😊

[@DeviantOllam]

0:25 is the EV ASMR we didn't know we needed ☺️👂

[@hitmanslayer3003]

One of the worst noises known to man kind.

[@MrTechfreak95]

yeah, beautiful indeed.

[@XeloX]

all I hear is tyre noise and crunching leaves/ground, my hearing may be terrible though (unless that is what you meant)

[@Kilgorio]

Wow

[@rtz549]

Bummer about the clutch.

[@PINKBOY1006]

Man I love the design of the car. it looks straight out of Tex Avery's "Car of Tomorrow", its great. Kudos to him and his team for building this!

[@veganmonter]

11:45 - I appreciate the owner/builder not wanting to treat it like some garage queen. That said, I would be terrified to drive it, just because if I do mess up, it's a one of a kind vehicle. Not that I am in the habit of getting into accidents.

[@2coolwheels139]

I converted an old VW beetle to an EV back in the mid 2000's. Unlike the car you have in this vidya, mine was incredibly inefficient. 10 lead-acid batteries actually made it heavier than a stock VW. A Netgain brushed DC motor without regen and a Kelly controller made it go. It accelerated about the same as a stock VW, but I only got about 15 miles range out of it. But the cost of my project was one tenth the cost of "7". Great learning experience for me.

[@foximacentauri7891]

Lead-acid batteries are cheap and easy to work with, but a very bad choice for lightweight, high-capacity applications by today’s standards. Man a lot has happened in the last 20 years.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Sounds like an awesome ride and the important thing is you DID it.

[@2coolwheels139]

I really wanted to use lithium batteries, but they were incredibly expensive at the time. And even now, they're not exactly cheap! @@foximacentauri7891

[@2coolwheels139]

Yeah, I really had fun with it.@@IlluminatiMotorWorks

[@Okurka.]

You turned a VW Beetle into a VW Golf cart.

[@K3NnY_G]

4:52 - There's a real eye for it and value to being able to edit with such good comedic timing.

[@crackedemerald4930]

9:02 i love that it has a third brake light

[@HAunderscoreVE]

I love how the body design reminds me of a tatra 87, so nicely streamlined

[@zachaliles]

If I know anything about the car community it's that Miata owners are some of the most wildly varied group of people. You'll have a Miata with a fully modded hellcat engine drifting around a course then you'll see a pristine all original Miata in a Walmart parking lot. And they're all insane. Every single one of them. But what that also means is because this car has a few Miata parts on it, it's now a Miata.

[@Nizze82]

I had the honour of riding in Seven on EVCCON 2015. It was a nice experience.

[@cosmic_cupcake]

This looks so old, and yet so futuristic. I love it!

[@SplicesAndCelluloid]

Not only a work of art, but a brilliant piece of engineering. Some truly impressive work by Kevin and his team.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Thank you!

[@KCTalksEV]

Given that this car was a one off, made by someone who isn't even at an automotive company, this is impressive on every metric. Some of the little touches such as regen braking and 4 wheel steering, just shows the level of attention to detail. Bravo!

[@hebijirik]

I love this thing. Car companies need to make stuff like this for those of us who do not subscribe to the current "the bigger, boxier and heavier the SUV is the better car it is" doctrine of design everybody seems hellbent on following.

[@jrstoelting]

Aptera

[@hebijirik]

@@jrstoelting I know it and I like it. But it is US only, 2 seats only and I have some pretty bad experience with 3-wheelers (loss of grip on the rear wheel can be easy to happen and hard to recover, I hope Aptera has some clever electronic stability enhancements to mitigate this).

[@NEEDbacon]

It'd be great if we could just get away from SUV's and Cross overs all together, but sadly that ain't happening.

[@lkrnpk]

It will happen, preferences change… but maybe it will not change very soon

[@bensmith4563]

The epa is part of the reason we have such massive cars

[@DanielThirion]

The efficiency of this car is absolutely insane. Less than 10kWh/100km, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, is unrivaled. Incredible achievement.

[@martijnkosters9024]

In 2010! Were nowhere near almost 15 years later.

[@erikziak1249]

It comes mostly to aerodynamics. I can easily drive my e-up at or below 10kWh/100km, but not fast, as its aerodynamics sucks. The drag coefficient is 0,308, so anything above 65 km/h is off limits if you want to drive at or below 10kWh/100km.

[@DanielThirion]

@@erikziak1249 I have a renault zoe, getting less than 12.5kwh/100km is off-reach, even at 50kph

[@BadHaddy]

Because it's massively cheating. There's no safety structure at all (no weight) and it doesn't have to meet any collision rules, so it's design is almost entirely aerodynamics. It's rather trivial to do with modern technology, but impossible to meet FMVSS or ENCAP or make it safe at all.

[@StartledPancake]

It has a steel lattice frame and carbon fiber body, I suspect it's far safer the the Geo parts doner vehicle​

[@Makeybussines]

This guy should be on the show more often!

[@pengujedi4559]

13:02 thats deadline thing worked great for your electric car project

[@DanVR001]

I'd buy one of those cars if it's reasonably priced. Also, I really enjoy the way you do sponsored ads.

[@alexg8406]

I'm always impressed by the modern 'historical footnotes' you manage to find! This one is no different. Thank you.

[@JStevenYork]

What an amazing looking car. It's a crime it didn't win

[@ChrisBigBad]

@3:34 that car left to the seven is a Twike! A very cool looking one that was never sold imho.

[@bwofficial1776]

It looks like a cross between a Tucker and an early Porsche. It's also a bit Tatra-ish with the shape and chassis design. I like it. Really cool build. It's impressive that this was built in a garage. The name joke is pretty funny and the backwards back seats is also pretty funny. The headlights appear to be modernized '39 Ford units. They fit well with the aerodynamic art deco design.

[@RatBürgerSk8]

This thing is awesome, and embodies what I wish more consumer EVs were like rather than being big inefficient shapes with inherently poor range due to bad aero.

[@ashamar]

As cool as this is - the thing that caught my eye immediately was the Millenium Falcon on the window. I had that on my cars for almost 15 years! A very nice touch, especially for a home built car.

[@benjblackson]

I just made this exact comment XD

[@fredinit]

I liked the Hula dancer on the dash. Nice touch.😀

[@dirkbonesteel]

LOVE this car and the styling is top notch, 50s Porsche looking nose, 60 Avanti tail, connected with 30s French Master Coach like design with no wind resistance. Frigging miracle

[@Dangineering]

This is increadible! One of my favorite youtube videos to date. It is absoutley absurd they reached such performance values in 2010

[@idiotluggage]

That car is really cool! The styling made me think of Art Deco. I wanted to see more wood in the interior.

[@bairfamilyfarm1336]

Now this is where I want an electric vehicle. No luxuries, good range, simple design. High MPGe with acceptable range means small battery if the inverter is efficient enough, which equates to a cheaper battery replacement. Something I could drive during the week and charge over the weekend. Another thought, when are manufactures going to develop heatpumps for vehicles?

[@MrDuncl]

Many EVs have heatpumps. In fact I just checked and the Tesla Model 3 now has one as standard.

[@MathewPuthiakunnel]

Keep an eye on Aptera. Still unsure if it’ll go into production but the efficiency is there with some creature comforts most people will appreciate in modern cars

[@CortinasAndClassics]

It has no touch screen. I fully approve of this car.

[@wolfsokaya]

That trunk looked really large, it even had a spare driver in it. :D

[@MSWMSW1]

As a fellow central Illinoisan, it's great to see this car's story and history brought back up. I used to follow Illuminati motor works and the X-PRIZE story pretty close, but after they got 2nd place, I kinda forgot about it. Thank you, Robert, for reminding me about this.

[@CantankerousDave]

I’m in the area too (east-central). I wonder how many of the team are from the engineering department at UIUC.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

@@CantankerousDaveKevin has a degree in chemical engineering from UIC. George has a degree in mechanical engineering but I can’t remember which university. Otherwise, we’re all average folk with various skills who worked together on 7 and learned a lot.

[@Waremonger]

I remember the X prize. I'm sad to hear that Kevin and his team only came in 2nd. That's a really cool car.

[@mostly_ghostly9889]

I like that you interviewed him

[@LemonGrinder]

Well, I can say none of us expected this to be behind the black blob! What an incredible, beautiful, astounding vehicle! It was great having the creator on too!

[@Full_Throttle_no_Brakes]

Thank you for adding metric conversions to your videos. The rest of the world and myself really appreciated!

[@CasualGearheads]

The dashboard reminds me a lot of the Panhard CT24. :) I followed the X-Prize back in the day, cool to see a more in depth view. Thanks for making the video Rober, and, Kevin thanks for making the car! :)

[@benjblackson]

I had that exact Millennium Falcon in my car from 1999-2017, Trippy to see it again!

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

The Millennium Falcon is a very inspiring ship

[@armchaircommenter6805]

Awesome car. Much better panel gaps than a certain other brand, too!

[@DasGanon]

I haven't seen any comments about it, but I absolutely love the "pop in" intro you usually do, and this is the best one so far.

[@JDCarnin]

Two things that´d concern me would be the rear overhang and the wheelbase. At least where I live, ramps in parking garages are steep, dont know how it is in the US... Otherwise VERY cool!

[@davidjones332]

I think the very thick A-pillars would be another concern in everyday use -very easy to miss someone at a junction, but it's a fabulous shape.

[@NekoWinters]

I'm not a ev fan but this dude beating on the car and overbuilding it = mad respect from me, GG!!!

[@mathuetax]

I'd so drive this thing! Also and astoundly clean looking build.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Thank you

[@dieabsolutegluckskuche5174]

The ad at the end shows me you have integrity and you wont scam your audience. Lovely channel. Sadly I already have that type of shaver already :D And enough blades for years

[@RedTopProductions]

This is insanely awesome and impressive, thank you for sharing! Kudos to Kevin and his team and everyone else researching and experimenting in this field, they're truly expanding the limits of mankind's knowledge and achievements. 100 years from now they'll probably be looking at this car in a museum as one of the first stepping stones in hyper-efficient EVs.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Thank you!

[@timothystevenhoward]

I remember seeing this when they made it. was big news in central/southern IL

[@LowTechFarm]

Before Alex at legit street cars sells his space van, you should try to check it out. He's shown all the weird stuff, but your ev knowledge may add to its story.

[@LolBlopsPlayer]

His project reminded me of a old project i was designing on paper thanks now time to start up work on it again.

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Do it.

[@tjfranck6]

It was a wonderful experience to ride in the prototype at the SAE Rockford-Beloit section meeting at the Rockford Speedway. It is nice to see it in its finished state!

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Thank you! Rockford SAE is AWESOME. To everyone out there reading this, they invited us up to give a presentation. I asked if it was alright if I brought the car because listening to me can get boring (event to me) after two or four hours. They replied, “hope you don’t mind, we rented the speedway.” How cool is that?

[@tjfranck6]

I think after the ride you gave me in Seven which was so inspiring is the reason I drive an EV today.

[@DahVoozel]

That car is slick looking. Neat little thing.

[@KalleKilponen]

"Back when it was painted black, apparently he would just walk up this thing and kick the gull wing doors shut..." "...he wants it to be treated like a car" Yes, because walking on top of your car and kicking the doors shut is a perfectly normal thing people do with their cars. :D

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

Nothing perfectly normal about Kevin Smith 😂

[@AaronHendu]

I told them to paint it silver or black...then read comments saying it has alteady been silver...AND black lol

[@likebot.]

That's my favorite reason for doing something: because someone said you can't, or it's impossible. Challenge always accepted. That's the spirit of the X-Prize, doing the "impossible".

[@CornusXBL]

Homer's car but Homer actually knew what he was doing. Love it!

[@AaronHendu]

Has anyone tried to build a one off of the Homer car yet?

[@KelseyDrummer]

​@@AaronHenduYeah it looks awesome! Someone built it with a E30 BMW 3-series.

[@danielt.8573]

Looks like one of those concept cars from the 50s or 60s. Love it.

[@abegiesbrecht1148]

Neat car. Looks like a future design from the 50's ❤

[@madrew2003]

That is an AMAZING achievement! Thanks for covering this vehicle.

[@experimentalcyborg]

"It just takes will, getting other people on board, motivation, and a deadline." Oh and $200.000 but who's counting. 🤣

[@agingwheels]

The will part is what leads to the money. He didn't start out with all that money. He had to make it work!

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

That was $200,00 over many years. Almost all of Kevin’s income for a couple years, a mortgage, and donations from a lot of people.

[@experimentalcyborg]

@@IlluminatiMotorWorks Damn, that's ridiculous dedication! Respect!

[@gteixeira]

​@@IlluminatiMotorWorksThere you go, the money was the most important part of the project.

[@thefez-cat]

Legitimately aesthetically pleasing.

[@mundanestuff]

Reminds me of what you get if an MGA and an old Porsche make sweet love and 9 years later this car is hatched. It's really lovely.

[@MrDuncl]

It looks like a number of experimental Aerodynamic cars made in the 1930s before the Kammback was invented.

[@Atomwaffen-y3s]

Keep your thoughts to yourself. That’s just queer.

[@TheCoolDave]

Wow, pretty incredible. Nice to see, thanks for showing.

[@JdmZack]

The Fallout sedan prop has come to life, I see.

[@baitboy3191]

I remember reading about the X prize and Ansari X prize competitions in WIRED magazine, I was a kid back then and I thought it was the coolest competition to join.

[@spacekii]

Looks like something out of thunderbirds. Awesome stuff!! I love this thing

[@thundermite1241]

A look at the edison hybrid semi truck would be cool

[@danielseelye6005]

I think Robert would get a kick out of "Topsy" ⚡🐘

[@StartledPancake]

Thank you for covering this incredible piece of automotive art. Could quite happily watch a multi hour long video between you two discussing the build over a beer or two.

[@WarpedFlayme]

Looking for some inspiration for the Electric Escape? This was really cool to see!

[@stephentroyer3831]

On the Henson ad. I bought one and am very happy with it. Being a big clumsy, I can confirm that it is very durable. Constantly bouncing off of the floor, a ceramic sink, or a plastic shower floor does nothing to it.

[@russellhammond4373]

Great concept and implementation. Throw in the Citreon DS suspension and it would be great for rougher roads.

[@geejayhey]

Headlights from a '39 Ford, windshield from a Mazda Miata, fuel door from a Mitsubishi Eclipse and paint job from an old orange. Great work, though. Want one.

[@DrKoneko]

That door design reminds me a lot of the Saab Aero-X concept. It looks futuristic and retro but not impractical all at the same time.

[@AgentWest]

I drove a gullwing car for a while, and can confirm, the design is way more convenient than regular doors. For one, they don't swing out past the car much, so you can't really get "boxed in" at a parking lot. Also since the door opens upwards, it keeps you dry-er while getting in/out in the rain.

[@DrKoneko]

@@AgentWest Back before I was old enough to drive or ride in the front seat I always wanted a Tesla Model X because getting boxed in was stressful for 10 year old me and MiniVan doors wouldn't keep you dry and it rain daily where I live.

[@WheezyShotta]

Got a copy of that ‘Ingenious’ ordered and on the way. Gonna make for a great read.

[@d.p.2680]

This is what i want, why are nobody building cars like this, simple and full size, car, not a stupid SUV, or tiny car with poor range, just something to compete with the old cars i can afford, without all the annoying equipment that always break.

[@vincenzo082]

Blame the epa for killing innovation and forcing auto makers to make big blocky trucks and ugly full sized sedans

[@klaernie]

I love the talking head shots in the true VINwiki style. Lovely nod. Awesome video in general, showcasing an awesome vehicle!

[@Arcidi225]

Interior is beautiful! Definitely much more tasteful than most new cars

[@beardsntools]

it's not actually it's pretty bad

[@Arcidi225]

@@beardsntools I like it though.

[@beardsntools]

@@Arcidi225 You probably like it because it's homemade, if this was produced by a factory, you'd have higher standards

[@Arcidi225]

@@beardsntools I don't think so, I just like how it looks.

[@Chris-oj7ro]

Just want to say that you should make this into a miniseries! I'd love to see more coverage of the other vehicles from that competition.

[@zerg539]

you know a real trunk that can hold an entire body is starting to become a rarity these days.

[@mrb5217]

5:05 The orange peel in the paint, wowza

[@Beatle1283]

One dude and a bunch of his friends is more creative and can produce a prototype that is leagues ahead of what most auto-motor industry can make. This is amazing and depressive at the same time.

[@jackpijjin4088]

Oh I love this. Exactly the kind of 'retrofuturistic' car I used to doodle up, but made real. I'd love to own one of these some day, probably the only EV I've been on board with.

[@Gunbudder]

Why have you not covered the Tango yet? it is BY FAR the fastest EV ever made. they are incredible

[@IlluminatiMotorWorks]

The Tango was a thing of beauty on the track.

[@justjoe7313]

It looked awkward from afar but it's beyond awsome!!!

[@keithdosik]

This is so cool!!

[@lillululuna]

BY FAR this was your most intriguing & inspirational video to date!!! (I’ve been enjoying your channel for a few years now) 11:55

[@dattda]

This is totally a Thunderbirds design. A baby FAB 1. (a remake one but still)

[@arnejungclaus7957]

man that brings me back. I was following that X-Price at the time, i loved the Tandem-winner, a team of two Cabin motorcycle with 198 and 201mpge. And i think the old hybrid-Aptera was second for Side-By-Side (if I remember correctly). That were exiting times.

[@jeesjees2]

So Seven... of nine, perhaps? You should get Jeri Ryan to drive it. Would watch.

[@wheelieblind]

Finally, something that looks like it is from the future, from the perspective of people who were around in the mid 20th century. It looks really cool and I hope they work on it some more.