Production Notes20 May 2009 10:43 pm

Late May update

It’s been a while, so here is a little news from the EV list:

 

Andrew Wood-13 wrote:

They seem to have stopped manufacture for now, am i better off going
with Curtis?

 

Otmar replies:

The Zilla will return later this year.

My production crew has been busy finishing up the last orders that I accepted in September. Meanwhile my engineer Arthur and I are finishing the design changes needed for effective higher volume production. The automated test equipment that Arthur built will support volume production and has already increased the quality of Zillas going out the door. The improved Hairball code I’ve been working on ran today for the first time in my 914 and promises to increase reliability as well as make diagnostics easier.

I am in talks with a very qualified licensee, and although we have not signed any formal agreements yet, we seem to be finding common purpose and I expect things to be well established soon.

I apologize for the delay. My less than ideal health and my possibly unreasonable requirement for quality has not been conducive to moving faster on this path, but it is encouraging to see the transition coming to fruition.

The waiting list on our website continues to grow and I hope the new manufacturer will be contacting those of you on it soon.

Thank you all for your patience,

-Otmar-

2 Responses to “Late May update”

  1. on 30 May 2009 at 4:00 am   James May

    Hi Otmar

    This is great news. I hope you can find a way to apply your exacting standards without compromising your health!

    I have my Zilla 1KLV already and I’m really pleased with it. I keep an eye out for your progress because of those other backyard EVers without Zillas who you see joining the EVAlbum every day or so.

    I am guessing you’ll retain simplicity in your product and won’t implement all-in-one solutions involving other EV parts such as DC-DC converters, BMS systems. etc.

    All the best and thank you and your team for your effort.

    James May, Coventry, UK

  2. on 08 Jun 2009 at 7:03 pm   David Mead

    Otmar
    Working at an EMS provider, I understand the demands necessary for maintaining both quality and speed of production all too well. I am glad to hear that you have found someone that is on the same page as you for what is needed. Hopefully, my budget for my EV project will come in time for the Zilla controllers to be available one again.

    David Mead, Ogden, UT