Frequently Asked Questions

About Open Design Infrastructure

1. What’s the difference between “Open Source” and “Open Design”?

   Using the phrase “Open Source” in this context is kind of a misnomer. The phrase “Open Source” is borrowed from software world (”Source” as in “Source Code” in software). The term “Open Design” is more appropriate when the end product is a physical object or article of manufacture.

   Open Source software differs from its hardware counterpart in a lot of ways, but most notibly the method of replication. The cost to make copies of a software is rather insignificant compared to, for example, building a factory to fabricate parts for a car and to assemble them. This drives the need for a parallel information and licensing infrastructure tailored for Open Design projects.

   Despite the differences, Open Source and Open Design share something very important: Openness and collaborative development.

   By the way, SSM-OSGV’s founder decided to use “Open Source Green Vehicle” as the name of the project (instead of “Open Design”) because it sounded cool.

2. Who owns the Intellectual Properties developed by SSM? Are they in the Public Domain?

   We refrain from using the term “Public Domain” to describe our data. Due to the difficulty in gathering enough capital for mass production (as mentioned above) as manufacturers always look for exclusive rights to their products (because of the high capital costs), we will retain the rights to all intellectual properties at this time.

   Nonetheless, our design data are accessible to the public. We encourage people with relevant backgrounds to review our design data and to contribute their knowledge to our designs (we are therefore “Open” as in “Open Design”).

   All intellectual properties (IP), including copyrights, trademarks, service marks and patents, are owned or co-owned by SSM. Creating IP Using SSM’s data and/or funding or based on an existing SSM’s IP generally requires that the newly created IP to be placed under the same SSM-OSGV Open Design License Agreement. Except when a third party is developing a design based on our designated interface points (interface control documents / source control specifications, etc.) allowed in the licensing agreement, in which case, the third party is allowed to keep the design proprietary as long as the interface remains unchanged.

   However, it is entirely possible that SSM will relax the licensing agreement in the future.

3. The License Agreement says I cannot manufacture the parts. What’s the deal?

   Certain parts of a vehicle are deemed safety critical. The last thing we want is for some people with insufficient experience to copy or mimic our design and hurts themselves and/or their neighbors. The Open Design License Agreement explicitly prohibits licensees to build an actual product based on the design data. These components need to be designed, built, tested and certified by qualified entities.

   The production license is still work in progress. Production licenses will be granted on a case by case basis, based on the capabilities of the applicant.

4. What about the trademark “Kernel”? Isn’t it used somewhere else already?

   Kernel is more commonly known in the software world to be the core of the Linux operating system. SSM is the first to use this name to describe an automotive platform, thus have the rights to register this trade name, according to USPTO’s guideline.

   Besides, the two “kernels” have a lot in common. They are both open standards. And, Kernel EV describes the minimalist electric drivetrain configuration that can be extended to include other features - much like the core of an open source operating system. So, we truly believe that it is a suitable name for the project.

About Kernel - the barebone Electric Vehicle

1. What is a “barebone” EV? What is the philosophy behind the open electrical architecture?

   The Kernel “barebone” electric vehicle has all the essential components and battery capacity for the most basic needs. The barebone is capable of going 40 to 50km (25 to 30 miles) on a single charge. Owners are expected to purchase one of the power source options depending on their driving needs. Factors include: range, peak power output, level of maintenance and technology readiness.

   Switching from one power source to another on the Kernel will be a snap. Say, you would like to upgrade from a gasoline generator to a hydrogen fuel cell generator. Simply remove the power generator and plug in a new one. You may even rent one for a weekend.

   The main reason behind having an electrically seperable power generator instead of using mechanical power-split device (like most hybrids today) is that this allows the power generator to evolve separately from the drivetrain. Retrofitting existing vehicles with a new power source does not impact the rest of the car. Many experts will agree that the ultimate barrier for alternative fuels is the status quo - the more we invested in existing technology (e.g. fossil fuel engines) the harder it will be for us to move on to better ones. Kernel™ will eliminate this barrier and allow alternative fuels to flourish.

   On the other hand, upgrading to a new power source is economically prohibitive on conventional hybrid vehicles. It would be cheaper to buy a new car in most cases. In other words, if we continue to buy conventional engines (even fossil-fuel-burning hybrids), fossil fuel suppliers will still have a head lock on the consumers for the next couple of decades. The choice is yours.

2. Can I develop an electrical generator to be sold with the Kernel?

   Sure you can. As long as the electrical generator meets SSM-OSGV’s source control specification (SCD) for the generator. The SCD will detail the mechanical envelope, operating conditions, sustained/peak power output, etc. Our preliminary specification calls for a 40kW 450 VDC generator (regardless of fuel type). Please contact our engineering team immediately.

   From the marketing standpoint, the mass deployment of these Kernel barebone EVs will give developers access to a nonproprietary platform. We will be glad to work with you to jointly offer your generator as an option.

3. Why go with electric cars?

   Conventional drivetrains with gasoline engines have HORRIBLE efficiency. See this DOE link regarding fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines, they are only 15% efficient on average. 

   

   Fossil fuel power plants, by comparison, has relatively high efficiency. Large scale generators ALWAYS have higher efficiency than smaller combustion engines (otherwise, utility companies would have use millions of these tiny little generators, right?). The efficiency of a gas turbine plant could approach 60% in large (500+ Megawatt) units. In fact, based on the GREET model developed by the Department of Energy, although electric vehicles are roughly 40% more energy efficient than conventional gasoline vehicles (fuel measured well-to-wheel, not including production energy costs).

4. I heard rumors that electric cars cause more pollution?

   There is a partial truth to that. Based on the GREET model developed by the Department of Energy, although electric vehicles are roughly 40% more energy efficient than conventional gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles causes more sulphur oxides emission (measured well-to-wheel) than its conventional counterpart. That’s because many power plants still use coal as a power source.

   In the next decade or so, thanks to various government incentives, more electricity (by percentage) will come from differently forms of clean energy sources: wind, solar, hydro, etc. These green energy sources produce no harmful emissions at all. See this Wikipedia reference. Grid-connected EV/PHEV will also help utility companies balance their day/night current loads, which further increases availability and affordability of electricity.

   Another attractive feature is the Technology Readiness of electric vehicles. EV technologies are very mature (as demonstrated by EV1 and various other vehicles) and ready for mass deployment today.

   So, don’t feel bad about taking energy from the grid to charge your car. You are actually making a difference by encouraging private investments in clean electrical generation capacity.

5. What’s the Best Energy Source?

   Again, based on the GREET model by the Department of Energy, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and diesel (advanced CIDI) hybrids are amongst the most efficient and clean burning vehicles. Either of them provides a good balance in efficiency and emissions. SSM is actively investigating possible power generators using CNG and diesel.

   For a nation to change from a mainstream power source (e.g. gasoline) to an alternative power source (e.g. CNG) requires a significant fleet upgrade and infrastructure change - which take time. That is why the Kernel Barebone Electric Vehicle will be designed to accept different power sources. That’s how to you know that your Kernel EV will be ready when you are ready.

6. Why SUV?

   This unprecedented attempt originates from the observation that, although it is already hard enough to break into the automotive industry; it is even harder to fight the desire of the consumers. SUVs are everywhere these days because, quite simply, people like them. And that’s why SUVs have such a proven market.

   The upcoming Kernel-CDV1 is a cross-over SUV, meaning that many of the components can be easily adapted to the needs in other markets or to other vehicle types, such as a sedan or a minivan.

   If our SUV could run at 4 times (100MPG) the energy efficiency of the most passenger cars today, then - why not SUV? SSM’s philosophy has always been consumer-centric. Most SUV owners have their reasons. Saving the planet is great but if you try to fight the desire of the consumers, you always lose.

   Being environmentally responsible should not compromise safety, comfort and practicality. Kernel-CDV1 is meant to be a cleaner and safer alternative to the SUVs on the road today. The choise could be yours or would you rather have the big automakers making that decision for you?

   Technically speaking, SUVs are well accepted by the general population and their size is perfect for demonstrating our key technologies. (besides, if we can make a 100MPG+ SUV, watch what we can do with a compact car!)

7. I have seen other hybrid SUVs. What’s so special about SSM-OSGV Kernel?

   Kernel-CDV1 will feature advanced automotive and aerospace technologies, such as composite unibody and EV or PHEV drivetrain. Our goal is to demostrate a 100MPG-equivalent prototype by 2009.

8. How much will it cost?

   Price target is around USD $20,000 to $25,000. 

9. I mean - how much will it cost to run?

   It heavily depends on your driving pattern, the cost to an average driver is believe to be around USD$0.03 per mile or better; Compared to USD$0.12 per mile with a 30MPG car or USD$0.18 per mile with a 20MPG car. The concensus is that the electric fuel is about one quarter the cost of gasoline.

   What about maintenance?

   Electric Vehicles (EV) generally require little maintenance. They need no oil change or fluid change. They have very few moving parts to fail (no cylinders, no transmission, etc.). And, they have highly reliable electric motors (could operate for 10,000 hours or more)

   However, you might still need to rotate tires, change battery, and other minor DIY repairs as needed. As for the battery, it’s SSM’s intention to find a battery technology and to optimize the use of these storage devices so that they will last the life of the vehicle. Detailed maintenance instructions will be released when Kernel goes into production.

About the Society for Sustainable Mobility (SSM):

1. Why should I support SSM?

   Society for Sustainable Mobility (SSM) is the perfect marriage between the European automtive industry and the American aerospace industry, and between the non-profit and the for-profit sectors. Taking the best of these worlds, SSM is bringing you the best-engineered automobiles the world has seen.

   With supporters worldwide, SSM is a elite group of multi-disciplinary engineers and entrepreneurs. They bring their specialties to the table for the good of mankind.

   Our engineering capabilities surpass many small and medium sized engineering firms. To support such our staff and to build prototype cars (can cost millions each!!), a steady cash flow must be established. However, we operates in a nonprofit mode in which we don’t sell equity or borrow any funds. That’s why we need your support in order to continue our effort.

2. Why should I support a nonprofit engineering group?

If you think GM, Ford and Chrysler would voluntarily bring you cleaner vehicles, think again. Corporations do not know anything other than their own stock prices. They lack the long-term vision to make any substantial difference. Say, who sold you the millions of highly polluting pickup trucks and SUVs in the first place?

The solution has to come from the nonprofit sector. SSM, a nonprofit, will maintain ownership to all intellectual properties developed using your donations. SSM cannot be bought out or shutdown.

The choice is clear.

What is the relationship between SSM, OSGV and International Humanities Center (IHCenter.org)?

SSM is a Program under the International Humanities Center (IHCenter.org) who oversees the accounting and finance and provides the 501(c)[3] tax exempt status of SSM. Please contact IHCenter at +1 (310) 579-2069 for any questions regarding the status of SSM.