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Review: The B.I.G. MAN Car

October 13, 2008

LINCOLN, California -- In the City of Lincoln, most shopping centers have charging outlets for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. The outlets offer a little peace of mind, allowing residents to shop locally without worrying about their batteries running out of charge on the way home. While Lincoln's NEV plan has received national attention, public charging outlets are still difficult to find in most communities around the country. So what's a NEV buyer to do when there's no charging infrastructure nearby? Talk to B.I.G. MAN.

Fast Facts
Top Speed:	25 MPH
0-25 MPH:	12 seconds (approx.)
Range:	35-50 miles
Voltage:	48 VDC
Battery:	Flooded lead acid
Weight:	1,450 lbs.
Cargo:	N/A
Base Cost:	$13,000

The B.I.G. MAN vehicle is a product of B.I.G. MAN, LLC in Alva, Oklahoma. This large, unique-looking car has a number of features which differentiate it from the competition. First and foremost is range. The manufacturer claims that the vehicle can travel 35-50 miles between charges under typical conditions. While competing cars boast a 30 mile range, it is rarely achieved during real-world driving.

Since frequent charging is not required, an on-board charger isn't necessary (though it is available as an option). Instead, a stand-alone charger is provided with the car, so it can be charged after a day of driving. Worry-free driving without needing to plug in is a liberating experience that few NEVs provide.

Another smart feature of the B.I.G. MAN is the seating arrangement. The car comfortably seats two adults in the front seat, but can accommodate more passengers if needed. The front seat has an additional seatbelt for a middle passenger, while the raised back seat can comfortably seat two children. Compared to competing four-seat NEVs, the B.I.G. MAN can seat five passengers, though perhaps not as comfortably.

To test the practicality of adults riding in the back, we drove two men around in the raised rear seat. The passenger-side front seat folds down to provide a large step which lets passengers climb into the back seat. While we got a few quizzical looks from passers-by, the ride itself wasn't bad. The biggest drawback is that as an adult riding in the back seat, you won't be able to see out the front window due to the elevated position and angled roof. Riders over 6' tall will likely need to slouch a bit to avoid hitting their heads. As for kids? They absolutely love the raised back seat, which gives them more visibility than they're used to in a car.

Like all NEVs, the B.I.G. MAN has a top speed of 25 MPH, which it reaches in about 12 seconds. That may seem like a long time, but the car accelerates very rapidly to 15 MPH, then levels off after that. Stomping the pedal to the floor will undoubtedly send your passengers snapping back into their seats. At 25 MPH, the B.I.G. MAN won't replace your commuter vehicle, but does provide an economical and fun way to get around town. NEVs can be driven on any road that has a speed limit of 35 MPH or less. In Lincoln, special NEV lanes allow for traveling on roads with higher speed limits

Sitting in the driver's seat, the first thing you'll probably notice is the lack of a speedometer. With a top speed of 25 MPH, there is little need for one, yet it is available as an option. The steering wheel is large, and driving the B.I.G. MAN feels more like driving a small truck than a car. The angle of its accelerator is somewhat awkward, and can be uncomfortable during a long drive. The seats are nicely padded, but lack upper back support and three-point harnesses.

The chassis of the car is made of heavy duty aluminum and fiberglass. Its tallest point in the back measures nearly 78 inches, so drivers must pay attention to low garage doors. While it has some rough edges, the car is built like a tank, and will likely withstand years of abuse. It has full-size It has full-size automotive headlights, which provide above-average illumination, and its heavy-duty suspension delivers a comfortable ride.

Unfortunately, it lacks a glove box or cargo area. On a shopping trip, we found that the floor of the rear seating area provided adequate room for a week's worth of groceries, assuming no passengers are riding in the back.

The B.I.G. MAN's range stems from its unique battery configuration. Instead of using six 12V batteries, the car uses eight 6V batteries. The 48V system powers a whopping 11 HP motor, which means the car will lurch to life, and clear hills with ease. The additional batteries also provide more capacity, which is what boosts the car's range past traditional NEVs. Since the car ships with flooded batteries, it's important to check the water level periodically. Under the hood, you'll find two of the batteries, while removing the front seat reveals the additional six. The front seat is relatively easy to remove once you get the hang of it, but is somewhat heavy and unwieldy. To avoid the hassle altogether, GEL batteries are available as an option.

Besides the five-passenger "BM-48", B.I.G. MAN also makes an 8-seat "limo" model, and a 2-seat truck. The vehicles have several available options, including a soft-side enclosure to keep out the rain, chrome wheels, cabin heater, and even LONGER range batteries. The five-passenger model retails for $13,000 (including shipping), and includes an industry-standard one year warranty.

The B.I.G. MAN sets itself apart with a long range, rugged build, and additional seating. This car would be a good choice for those who do a lot of driving, but don't have time to (or can't) charge during the day. Without a trunk or additional storage space, the car is best for those who need to move people, and not things. For a family with kids, or a retired couple with only an occasional need for additional seating, it's worth checking out the B.I.G. MAN. Who knows, you may just want "him" to move in with you.

In Northern California, the B.I.G. MAN is available from Electric Car Living in Rocklin.
Call (916) 645-1250 or email Miki DeZorzi with questions.