Open-Source Sports Electric Vehicle (OSSEV®)
Car safety isn't just about crumple zones, structural solidity and air bags. The greatest safety feature of any car is its driver. If the driver is getting the flow of information to retain control of the car under all conditions, then it is inherently a safer place to be.
We think that the greatest safety feature of any car is that it communicates its speed accurately back to the driver. We have owned cars that have been very quick but simply didn't feel it (e.g. a Subaru Impreza Turbo). We like my sports cars to feel fast when they are going fast. It's the most fundamental feedback mechanism and a direct link to your survival instinct. Inappropriate speed is THE biggest killer on UK roads.
There are other passive safety features that you might want and expect in a modern sports car. Driver feedback and involvement are essential tools in judging the level of grip available for given surface and road conditions. Equally important is progressive handling characteristics that give you plenty of warning and reminders, as you creep up to the edge of the performance envelope.
A car like this is also inherently safer through its ability to rapidly accelerate, brake and change direction.
None planned.
The plan is to have anti-lock brakes as standard on the OSSEV® but, we do not have this feature on the MX-5e.
The OSSEV® will have to generate an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound to alert other road users to its presence and this will only be audible outside of the EV. UK law requires that system must work up to speeds of up 12mph and whenever the car is reversing. The sound produced must be at least 56db and must not exceed 75db, which is the equivalent to a conventional car. The mandate also states that it must be a continuous sound and it should help pedestrians and cyclists to identify the driving behaviour of the vehicle. This means the sound should vary in volume and pitch to indicate the different movements of the car.
These will be designed into the chassis and bodywork.
The OSSEV® will feature a powerful two-tone horn to make sure it can be heard when required.
Our MX-5e came with a twin, two-tone Misuba 'Alpha Horn' which was plenty loud enough but, the shape and size meant they did not fit well into the reauired space. We have upgraded to Hella S90 twin horns and these are very loud. We currently plan to use these in the OSSEV 1.
The horns are extremely loud and a bit to harsh tom use on pedestrians, if they haven't heard you and you want to encourage them out of the way. For this we have also fitted a pedestrian alarm with its own switch on the dash (green).
The side mirrors will feature bright warning lights to remind the driver that the indicators are on.
This will also be designed into the chassis structure and bodywork.
Not planned.
This is currently being researched as a desirable option.
Not planned.
Not planned.
The car will have extensive data logging for the owner to inspect if required.
The OSSEV 1 will have a strong, integrated roll-bar that is tall enough to protect the driver, even when wearing a helmet.
6-point harnesses are simply awesome for restraining the driver and offer much better load distribution than standard seat belts. These will be an option, with mounting points being part of the initial design. We are not fitting these in the MX-5e initially.
Traction control will be a feature of the OSSEV 1 and will be enabled or disabled based on the selected driving profile. The MX-5e will not have traction control.
Provision for both front and rear facing cameras will be included in the design.