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FAST & FUMELESS
BRIAN BONITTO Associate Editor Auto and Entertainment
Friday, January 27, 2012KNOWN in Montego Bay as a top entertainer and businessman. Paul Hurlock is quietly carving out a name for himself as an inventor. But, he insists music is his first love.
"I'm a musician by profession... I have performed extensively on the North Coast at such hotel properties as Sandals, SuperClubs, Half Moon, the Hilton, as well in the United States and Europe," he said.
However, the owner of Day-O Plantation Restaurant and Bar in Fairfield, Montego Bay, said he has always been intrigued by futuristic transportation.
"This is something I always wanted to be involved in. So, in 1996 I built the Electrogen -- a battery-operated car," he said. "It took me two years to build."
Hurlock said he did not have any training in this area of expertise, but his passion was fuelled by his curiosity by reading.
According to him, the rocket-shaped, right-hand drive, four-seater, sea gull-winged door vehicle is powered by 12 lithium batteries that can be charged either by the sun or electricity.
"The sun charges three batteries and when the vehicle is started, those three are powered to charge the rest," Hurlock told Auto.
The inventor said anywhere the outdoor the vehicle is parked, the batteries are being charged.
"So, it's an on-board charging system," he said.
Hurlock said since the vehicle has no engine and it does not give off toxic fumes, it is very environmentally friendly.
"This is cutting edge technology," he said.
The musician, who has produced three albums, said the Electrogen can reach a speed of up to 100 miles per hour.
Another feature of the Hurlock's Electrogen is that it can also be used independently as a standby generator.
"It can generate electricity to power a house or complex -- whether using 220 volts or 110 volts. I have used it to power two buildings simultaneously. One building is 5,000 sq ft while the other is 7,000 sq ft. And, I did this for two or three days," he said. "And, I did this a few times."
"It's an amazing car," he continued.
Hurlock said the material used in constructing the body was sourced locally and it took a team of three to four persons to help him create his dream car.
"Steel sheet metal was used for the body," he said.
The 'dream team' comprised a body man, electrician and, according to him, "some who helped to balance the vehicle".
"Jamaica is filled with talented people," he said.
The native Montegonian said he used his personal resources to bring the car to life and he is of the view that there were other persons locally who have great ideas that will never see the light of day because it is generally extremely difficult to get funding for projects of such nature.
"If I didn't have the money to make this vehicle, it would still be an idea," he said.
At the time, the cost of making the vehicle was US$15,000.
Hurlock said while his creation is roadworthy, it still needs some 'fine tuning' on the inside to make it comparable with the best of the imports on the local market. He said also that he has not sought to licence or insure the Electrogen, but uses it as a special attraction for his property.
He, however, has high hopes for his creation.
"I hope to, one day, make more of this car for sale... perhaps 30 or 40, but they would be part of a limited edition," he said.
"That's not the only futuristic vehicle that I've made. I just completed the design of a flying machine. The engine and the body are ready... I just have to put them together," Hurlock noted.
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