After two years of development, Rich Kronfeld and others are rightfully proud of their sleek, electric-powered concept vehicle called the Raht Racer.
The three-wheeled vehicle is sheathed in a carbon-fiber pod and powered by a battery and electric motor that promise speeds of 80-90 miles per hour, though Kronfeld says he's only taken it up to 45 mph.
Inside, it looks like a high-tech recumbent bicycle. One difference is that the pedals turn a generator, rather than the wheels, to extend the range of the battery, which is mainly recharged by plugging it into a wall socket.
"I was really impressed for a first-iteration prototype," said Bruce Jones, chairman of the Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Department at Mankato State University, which awarded the project a $50,000 grant.
Many potholes still exist for the vehicle as it travels from prototype toward the inventors' goal of commercialization. A financial adviser to the team said $3 million to $5 million will probably need to be raised for the next stage of development.
Kronfeld, 50, of Golden Valley, said he came up with the idea because he's a commuter. He's never worked in the automotive industry, and holds a degree in theater, not engineering. He produces the children's TV program "The Choo Choo Bob Show" and has spent much of his career in show business as a writer, actor and producer, including a stint in Hollywood for Comedy Central.
A few years ago, Kronfeld commuted by bicycle from Golden Valley to Eden Prairie. "It was an hour and 20 minutes each way and it was totally weather dependent," said Kronfeld, who now works in St. Paul.
To get more speed and protection from the elements, he considered buying an aerodynamic bike with a shell body, called a velomobile, as well as an enclosed German tricycle called a Twike that has an electric motor assisted by pedals. Then he thought of building something himself.