Just as Formula 1 will have a major change in technical regulations from the 2022 championship, Formula E – the all-electric single-seater championship – will also transition to an entirely new generation of racing cars in Season 9, which will be in 2023. Referred to as ‘Gen3’, the new racing car is described as ‘a machine created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability’. Formula E manufacturers are set to take delivery of Gen3 cars in the first quarter of 2022 for further intensive development testing on and off the track, and will use the Gen2 cars for Season 8.
World’s most efficient racing car
A series of design, performance and sustainability innovations in the Gen3 car make it the world’s most efficient racing car, with at least 40% of the energy used within a race produced by regenerative braking during the race. It will be the first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new front powertrain adds 250 kW to the 350 kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 car to a total of 600 kW.
The Gen3 racing car is sleeker and its design is inspired by the aero-efficient delta wing of a fighter jet, optimised for street racing. The Gen2 EVO racer (below) will be used for the last time in 2022 during Season 8.
The new powertrain will use an electric motor delivering up to 350 kw of power (470 ps), making it capable of a top speed of 320 km/h, with a power-to-weight ratio that is twice as efficient as an equivalent 470 ps internal combustion engine.
It will also be the first formula car that will not feature rear hydraulic brakes due to the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability. Being lighter and smaller than the Gen2 car, it wil enable faster, more agile wheel-to-wheel racing.
Aligned with Life Cycle Thinking
The Gen3 racing car is the first formula car aligned to Life Cycle Thinking with a clear path towards second life and end of life for all tyres, broken parts and battery cells. In addition, it will be net-zero carbon, maintaining the championship’s status as the first sport to be certified as net-zero carbon since inception.
All carbon fibre broken parts will be recycled by an innovative process from the aviation and aerospace industry into new fibres reusable for other applications. A pioneering process will deliver 26% sustainable materials into the composition of tyres.
Additionally, new financial regulations will be introduced October 1, 2022 for Season 9. There will be 2 sets of financial regulations to be introduced by the FIA to monitor and control spending levels of competitors, one for teams and one for manufacturers. This will enhance long-term financial sustainability of Formula E, supporting retention of current participants and attracting investment in the championship from new manufacturers, teams, investors and commercial partners.
ROKiT Venturi Racing fastest in testing
Meanwhile, after a combined total of more than 4,100 laps (equal to almost 14,000 kms) of pre-season testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain, ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara recorded the fastest time of the week during the final session as the test drew to a close.
DS TECHEETAH’s double champion Jean-Eric Vergne placed the next best time of the week, just 0.041 seconds back, while another Mercedes-EQ powertrain closed out the top three times of the week, with Vandoorne’s Silver Arrow 02 also within a tenth of-a-second.
The top 17 drivers recorded times faster than Antonio Felix da Costa’s pole position qualifying lap from last season. Their first race of Season 8 will be in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia at the end of next month, followed by another 15 races in major cities of 9 countries, with the final round in South Korea in August.
The last time the teams were in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, was in February this year for the opening round of Season 7, which was also Formula E’s first night race.The final round of Season 8 will be held in Seoul, capital city of South Korea.
The Rosberg X Racing team was victorious again in the second round of the Extreme E series, this time held at Lac Rose on the coastline of Dakar, Senegal. The crew of Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor faced intense pressure from rival teams during the two days of the event which was known as the Ocean X Prix.
While the Desert X Prix, the first event in April, was run in dry desert conditions in Saudi Arabia, this round was along the beach fronting the Atlantic Ocean. High drama in the Grand Final saw two of the four cars retiring at the first corner, which left Rosberg X Racing to extend their championship lead and Veloce Racing to snatch a surprise result, bouncing back from their disastrous Desert X Prix.
Sandy but very different from Saudi Arabia
The Extreme E drivers loved the tight and technical Ocean X Prix course which made for close racing and had several options for alternate routes as drivers made their way over sand dunes.
“The race format here has been a big step forward from Al-Ula in terms of development for race excitement – but it’s still early stages and there’s still a way to go. One needs to analyze again, and I think we keep on seeing more and more glimpses of such awesome motor racing and this will continue to evolve into a super spectacle the more we go on. Remember, nobody’s ever done this before, and you have to be open-minded and accept that you are going to learn and make it more and more exciting each time,” said Nico Rosberg, Founder and CEO of Rosberg X Racing.
“I love this whole championship and being in the role of team principal – I’m still as competitive as hell even though I’m not actually driving. Anyway, we have the two best drivers in the car who are doing a much better job than I could – and I couldn’t be happier!” the former F1 driver added.
Races on the beach
A Shoot Out saw three top teams face off in spectacular fashion. Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti United Extreme E and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team had all endured mechanical gremlins plaguing their qualifying runs.
Timmy Hansen stole the advantage into the first corner with Sara Price and Carlos Sainz in hot pursuit. The Spanish rally driver patiently waited for his opportunity and wrestled the lead away from Hansen before entering the switch zone.
At the driver swap, Laia Sanz ran into trouble failing to successfully connect her communications cable. Nonetheless, Sanz re-joined in the lead and looked to have the edge but Kyle LeDuc had other ideas. The 39-year old fired out of the switch zone in third place but quickly set about closing the gap to the top two. LeDuc showed his mettle by slicing through the gap to Catie Munnings and claiming second place, followed quickly by a spectacular move on Sanz to claim victory in the Shoot Out.
Drama unfolded before the first corner in the Ocean X prix Grand Final as GridPlay winners Veloce Racing opted to start on the third grid slot, but the advantage was quickly lost as Stéphane Sarrazin was squeezed out at the first gate dropping back to last position.
JBXE’s Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky picked up rear-wheel damage before she even reached the first corner and inevitably was forced to retire the car, as was Cristina Gutierrez in the X44 car who came to blows with the Rosberg X Racing ODYSSEY 21 – in an incident reminiscent of the two Formula 1 World Champions on-track disputes in 2016 – at turn one and ended her day on the sidelines.
Molly Taylor and Sarrazin were therefore left to fight it out for the lead, with the Frenchman closing the gap throughout the lap and ending his stint hot on the heels of the 2016 Australian Rally Champion.
To ensure officials could safely clear the stricken X44 and JBXE cars, a brief red flag was deployed, as the intense battle for the lead was put on hold whilst the drivers made their way into the switch zone. A standing start restart was initiated as Jamie Chadwick and Johan Kristoffersson prepared for an all or nothing, one-lap showdown.
A close-fought drag race down to the first gate ended with light contact between the two ODYSSEY 21s handing Kristoffersson the advantage. Once he had reached the technical section of the course, the three-time FIA World Rallycross Champion began to stretch his legs opening up a 15-second advantage to win Rosberg X Racing’s second Extreme E X prix in succession.
“It’s so fantastic to have won today! Coming here, it felt like we had a lot of work to do over the weekend, and it certainly didn’t come easy. But with every session, we just kept our heads down and just saw where we needed to improve, and everything totally paid off in the end,” said Rosberg X Racing’s Taylor.
Sailing to Greenland
With the conclusion of the Ocean X Prix, the Extreme E fraternity and vehicles return to the championship’s floating paddock – the St Helena. This specially configured ship is being used to provide transport to each venue to reduce carbon emissions and also serve as a scientific laboratory for researchers accompanying the event. The next round will be the Arctic X Prix in Greenland on August 28/29.
The other side of EXTREME E
Apart from being an exciting motorsport series, Extreme E is using the power of sport, and the excitement of motor racing, to inspire fans to take practical steps on climate change. At each of the race locations, various environmental activities will be carried out to help local communities as well as create awareness.
In Dakar, Extreme E has teamed up with local NGO, Oceanium, to plant one million mangrove trees in Senegal. In addition, Extreme E will support the EcoZone Project, a living lab that addresses the Lac Rose community’s primary needs while preserving the environment through experiential learning, regenerative agriculture and a circular economy.
The Oceanium project, which Extreme E has identified in partnership with TO.org, will focus on five areas totalling 60 hectares – the equivalent of around 112 football fields – with the aim of reforesting mangroves, providing education to local populations and improving social cohesion.
Mangroves are one of the richest ecosystems in the world, providing essential goods and services and playing an important role in the life of coastal communities in countries like Senegal. In addition to being an excellent carbon store, they reduce flooding and erosion from storms, act as nurseries for fish and filter salt and pollutants from water.
Senegal has around 185,000 hectares of mangrove estuaries in the regions of Casamance and Sine Saloum but unfortunately, these are disappearing very quickly. Between 1980 and 2000, 25% of Senegal’s mangroves and 35% of the world’s mangroves were lost due to droughts and deforestation. The loss of mangroves is having a negative impact not only on the environment, but also on local communities that depend on them for their livelihood, making it so important to restore these degraded areas.
As far back as 2010, MINI was already at quite an advanced stage in electric vehicle technology. It was able to build a fleet of demonstrator units – known as the MINI E – that were essentially modified Cooper models and part of BMW’s Project i. Trials were conducted in many countries, including China, and the cars were also loaned for official use during the 2012 Olympics in London.
2010 MINI E – the first volume-produced all-electric MINI used for real-world trials.
In time for 61st birthday
However, while the EV technology developed was used extensively by BMW, MINI did not produce an all-electric model, and offered a plug-in hybrid instead. Last year, the company confirmed that it would finally make a production MINI with all all-electric powertrain and it made its appearance today in Malaysia on the 61st birthday of the little car.
Known as the MINI Electric and priced from RM218,380.78 (excluding insurance), this new model offers Malaysians another alternative if they are looking for an all-electric model. With charging stations steadily increasing around the country, the discouraging factor of how to get a battery pack recharged when not at home is diminishing.
When recharging at a DC charging station, the MINI Electric requires approximately 36 minutes to go from zero to 80% charge. The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in 2.5 hours, similar to recharging at a public charging station. At home, charging to 80% can be done in 12 hours using the household electricity supply.
184 hp/270 Nm powertrain
Under the bonnet is the latest version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kw (184 hp) with peak torque of 270 Nm. The motor is powered by energy from a battery pack with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh. Consuming 16.8 – 14.8 kWh per 100km of travel, the claimed range is given as between 234 kms and 270 kms, with a maximum speed of 150 km/h possible.
The 12 packs of lithium-ion cells are arranged in a T-shape in the floor area between the front seats and below the rear seats. One advantage of this arrangement is that the battery pack does not eat into boot space – which remains at 211 litres, expanding to 731 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Another advantage is the lower level of the battery packs brings down the car’s centre of gravity by 30 mm.
Identical in size to the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Electric can readily be identified with its different appearance, especially the youthful Energetic Yellow theme (a grey theme is also available). It has an exclusive bumper and the grille design closes off the front end since a radiator is actually unnecessary.
With the Lights package, the 3-door hatchback is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design. Along the sides, the features include adapted spats geometry, the E-Badge on the side scuttle, as well as aero-optimised mirror caps in either Black or Energetic Yellow.
Exterior colour choices are White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, British Racing Green, and Chili Red.
Maintaining the go-kart character
Part of the characteristic driving experience in the MINI Electric is the single-pedal drive that also contributes to brake energy recovery. The electric motor functions as a generator during coasting mode, transforming kinetic energy into electric power – which then feeds back into the high-voltage battery pack.
There are four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and the new Green+ mode which increases the electric range by limiting selected comfort functions. There is also an actuator-contiguous wheel slip limiter function which significantly improves traction by providing faster control. The function also reduces power understeering that usually occurs with front-wheel drive vehicles.
The rear axle is configured to the front axle, which features electric-specific steering knuckles. This enables an electric-specific suspension setting in combination with the body-mounted wheelhouse liners.
Exclusive interior
The interior design language has been themed appropriately for an electric car. Features include the Electric Cockpit Fascia, Start/Stop button in Yellow, velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle. A Head Up Display allows the driver to keep his or her attention focussed on the road ahead at all times.
All the comforts of a typical MINI are provided with the Leather Cross Punch seats finished in Carbon Black and 12-colour Illuminated ambient lighting. The multifunction sport leather-wrapped steering wheel and raised centre console with integrated electric parking brake are also fitted as standard.
Route guidance is presented via an 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System. This is integrated with the full MINI Connected suite which includes Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay. For entertainment, there is a 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System and a wireless charging pad is available for those with compatible mobilephones.
For the very first time in a MINI vehicle, a Digital Instrument Cluster is installed. This can present the driver with a greater variety of information, especially regarding the operation of the electric powertrain.
First MINI with Driving Assistant
The MINI Electric is also the first MINI model in Malaysia to be equipped with the Driving Assistant system. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit information, as well as the digital high-beam assistant which automatically activates at speeds of 50 km/h and higher, or when there is insufficient exterior lighting.
The Driving Assistant system is also equipped with the person warning with light city braking function and the approach control warning with light city braking function.
Book online for RM1,000
The MINI Electric is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from today and if you make up your mind to get one after reaching home, you don’t have to go back to the showroom again. You can book via the MINI Online Shop with a fee of RM1,000. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers financing packages from RM2,421 a month (terms and conditions apply).
7 years ago, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) began ‘Journey to Zero Emissions’, a campaign to educate the Malaysian public about electric vehicles (EVs) and their benefits. Two years earlier, Nissan had launched the LEAF all-electric car and although it had no plans to offer the innovative new model in this market, ETCM felt that EVs would eventually become mainstream cars. Being associated with these vehicles of the future early could be advantageous later on.
The Japanese carmaker was focussed on more advanced markets like Japan, the USA and Europe where the LEAF was be very well received. Although Nissan did not want to get involved in the campaign, ETCM went ahead using its own money to fund it, a commendable effort.
In 2012, ETCM spent its own money to run a campaign to educate Malaysians about electric vehicles and their benefits, using the first generation LEAF. The company was also the first to set up a public charging station which was located at a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur.
The timing was right too because around that period, the Malaysian government decided to promote the use of environment-friendly vehicles. As a demonstration of its commitment to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, hybrids and EVs were exempted from import tax and excise duties for 3 years, lowering their prices to attractive levels. This helped ETCM, of course, and benefitted the ‘early adopters’ who were invited to be ‘ambassadors’ for the ‘Journey to Zero Emissions’ campaign.
The re-imposition of the typically high duties on completely built-up (CBU) vehicles bumped the price of the LEAF up by about RM20,000. Sales virtually ended although there were still some people who bought the car at around RM180,000.
ETCM monitored the usage of the first generation to get real-world operation data in Malaysian conditions.
Collecting real-world data on operation
While the period that followed didn’t see more activity from ETCM concerning EVs, the company nevertheless monitored the cars in use. Valuable information on real-world operation was collected, especially the reliability of the components in our weather and motoring conditions. Nissan would have benefitted from this data and used it during the development of the next generation. Issues like high humidity and heavy rainfall would have had the engineers making sure that high-voltage connections and equipment would be sealed properly to prevent electrocution.
Nissan was indeed looking at countries in the Asia & Oceania region to introduce the LEAF, having ‘conquered” the development ones to become the bestselling EV in the world. Findings of a survey in 2017 were encouraging as 37% of respondents were willing to consider an EV as their next car.
So the journey that began as the initiative of one of its longest business partners now resumes with Nissan directly involved and presumably, supporting ETCM (as well as other distributors in the region) in various ways to market and grow sales. While the government won’t fully exempt EVs from duties, it is providing an incentive in the form of lower excise duties of 10% for such vehicles. This has enabled ETCM to price the new second generation LEAF at RM188,888 (excluding insurance).
Greatly improved second generation
In the 9 years since the first generation was on sale, the LEAF and all the technologies related to it have advanced greatly so the second generation is a far better car in all aspects. With more than 400,000 units sold worldwide, Nissan and its suppliers have gained the economies of scale to bring production costs down although the technology is still expensive. Nevertheless, it’s a trade-off: the costs can now be moderated but performance is increased. For instance, battery costs have gone down but the energy storage levels are higher, enabling the LEAF to go further.
The car also embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s approach to changing the way cars are driven, powered and integrated into society. The three key aspects of Nissan Intelligent Mobility exemplified by the new Nissan LEAF are Nissan Intelligent Driving, Nissan Intelligent Power and Nissan Intelligent Integration.
The new powertrain offers improved energy efficiency and now produces 110 kW (about 150 ps), 38% more than before. Torque has been increased 26% to 320 Nm, resulting in improved acceleration that puts the 0 to 100 km/h time at a claimed 7.9 seconds. Typical of electric powertrains, maximum torque is available the moment the car takes off so it is quite an experience! There is another variant with higher power output and longer range but this is not available for the region yet.
More powerful battery pack, longer range
The key issues for EV buyers are range and charging time and the latest LEAF has a new 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is said to give a range of 311 kms on a full charge (according to an internationally recognised test procedure). Over 300 kms is plenty for most people unless they travel outstation daily. Incidentally, ETCM has calculated the cost of running at 7 sen per kilometre if you have to pay for the electricity drawn.
As for charging, each new LEAF comes with a 6.6 kW wall box charger that can be installed at home or at the office. This recharges the battery pack fully in around 7 hours, so plugging in overnight – just as you would do with your mobilephone – would be a daily routine. However, installing the wall box may not be easy for everyone, especially those who live in a condominium complex. They will have to get the agreement of the complex management.
Each new LEAF will come with a wall box charger (left) that can be installed at home. In certain places, there will also be quick-chargers (right) which can recharge fully within 1 hour.
As for public charging stations which are common in developed countries and very slowly appearing in Malaysia, there is also the 50 kW CHAdeMO quick-charger which can recharge 100% within an hour. However, this is an expensive unit (about RM80,000 compared to RM8,000 for the wall box) and is only available at certain locations at this initial stage. ETCM is working with various parties to grow the network quickly and in the meantime, also has recharging stations at 17 of its outlets around the country.
With the earlier EVs (not that there were many available), the distance that could be travelled was limited so outstation motoring was out of the question. Going from KL to Melaka for a day trip was not possible as the range was insufficient. With the new LEAF’s 300+ km range, that is now possible as Melaka is about 150 kms away. Nevertheless, having a range of 150 kms remaining is risky so ETCM suggests recharging along the way and there is already a station at the Ayer Keroh R&R to do so. It’s even possible to drive from the Klang Valley to Penang although it would entail an overnight stop in Ipoh to recharge at the ETCM outlet (free of charge).
The point is that ‘range anxiety’ – worrying about how far you can go – is becoming less of a concern for EV owners, particularly those who have a LEAF. In Japan, route navigation systems have the locations of all recharging stations throughout the country so long-distance travellers can plan their journeys to have ample reserve energy in the battery packs and not worry about ‘going dry’.
Inside the LEAF
The dashboard of the first generation was somewhat futuristic, perhaps an attempt to ‘wow’ people as it was a new type of car. Now that the LEAF has become accepted and established, Nissan’s interior designers seem to have reverted to a more familiar appearance although there is much use of a graphic display as the main and comprehensive source of information for the driver.
Those who are driving the LEAF for the first time will need to get used to mode selection with the short knob. It’s almost like driving an automatic except there are less positions to engage and another thing – electric cars don’t make a sound when they are ready to go. You press the button and a light comes on and that’s it. No cranking of a starter motor or the vibrations of an idling engine.
The latest LEAF also comes with an e-Pedal, a Nissan innovation which is standard. It allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate and stop the car by using just the accelerator pedal alone. By simply releasing the accelerator, the LEAF will come to a smooth and complete stop without the need to press the brake pedal. With a deceleration rate of up to 0.2g, the e-Pedal eliminates the need for drivers to constantly move their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal to slow down or stop. This helps reduce fatigue and increase enjoyment.
Stylish and futuristic exterior
As mentioned earlier, the interior has returned to a more familiar appearance as other Nissan models. But on the outside, the new design is certainly stylish and futuristic, with the option of having the 2-tone theme (black ‘floating’ roof) that was first seen in the current Serena S-HYBRID.
The design of the new LEAF is inspired by the IDS Concept car shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The elements of Nissan brand design such as the signature V-Motion grille, the boomerang light signature and the floating roof link this model to the Nissan family.
A clear-blue 3D mesh pattern with a ‘freezing’ motif, on a flush surface inside the V-Motion grille, expresses the LEAF’s uniqueness as an EV (no need for air to cool the engine). The underfloor and a diffuser-type rear bumper combine to reduce drag and prevent lift, resulting in improved vehicle stability. With the more aerodynamic body styling and other details promote smoother airflow, the Cd is now 0.28.
Starting a new era for ETCM
When the founders of Tan Chong brought in the first Nissan cars (then branded as Datsuns), they didn’t know if they could sell them all. So they thought if they couldn’t they would just use the unsold cars themselves. For Christopher Tan, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director and grandson of one of the founders, that uncertainty in selling a type of car his grandfather never sold is less evident. In fact, he is encouraged by the pre-launch response and said that he has to start thinking about applying for more APs to get additional stocks.
“Our first batch is 100 units and we have already had interest from many people, especially those who have owned the LEAF before. They love the ‘EV life’ and don’t want any other type of car so now that they can replace it with the next generation, they are keen to do so,” he told PISTON.MY.
Mr. Tan added that they are not looking at big volumes in the short-term. Many who buy the LEAF will be those who use it as a second car but through them, the advantages of the EV can be publicised and in time, more people may be interested to own one.
The LEAF can cross flooded roads (though not recommended) without the electrics failing, and you can also recharge if it is raining, if necessary.
Two options for customers
ETCM offers two options to those who want to have a LEAF. The first is to purchase it outright for RM188,888 and it comes with 3 years (or maximum of 60,000 kms) of free scheduled maintenance, 3 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms) factory warranty and 8 years (or maximum of 160,000 kms) of warranty coverage on the battery pack.
The second option is a leasing approach: pay RM3,500 a month for 3 years to use the car and in the fourth year, you can return it and get a new one and continue the program. You can also renew the deal and will likely get a lower monthly rate. “I think that this may interest corporate buyers who can have a new car every 3 years,” said Mr. Tan.
Although the LEAF has a spacious and expandable cargo area, owners can ask for the loan of a X-Trail, Navara or Serena S-HYBRID if they have special requirements.
Additionally, for all LEAF owners, ETCM is offering a choice of a Navara, X-Trail or Serena S-HYBRID that can be borrowed for up to 23 days each year. “We think this is a useful privilege we can offer LEAF owners who may sometimes have certain requirements which necessitate using such vehicles. For example, an owner may be moving house and need to carry big and heavy items, so he can make use of our highly capable Navara at no charge,” explained Mr. Tan.
Sep Irran will soon have a report on his first driving impressions to share with you. Visit www.nissan.com.my to find out which showrooms will have the new LEAF on display during the weekend of 27/28 July.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous hollywood actor and former governator of the state of California, has collaborated with Kreisel Electric to develop an EV Hummer. Based on the original H1, the all-electric prototype was unveiled by Schwarzenegger himself to hoards of fans and members of the media.
The civilian version of the US military Humvee, the EV H1 forgoes its gas guzzling V8 in favour of two electric motors, one for each axle. Juice is supplied via a 100 kWh battery pack that enables this behemoth to reach a top speed of 120km/h and cover a distance of 300km.
Weighing 3300kg, this isn’t even in the same ballpark as your average Prius. It retains the entire shell of the original vehicle and as such, still has the macho and go anywhere appeal of the original that made it a staple of the US military.
As daunting a task as it maybe to convert the H1 into an all-electric vehicle, it took Kreisel a mere two months to complete the project. This labour intensive effort may have been well worth the cost because it shows the general public that any car can be an EV.
That said, this project isn’t the first time that the governator and Kreisel has collaborated on creating a new vehicle. He previously worked with the company to develop an EV Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon that is capable of holding its won against the legendary vehicle that it is based on.
Unlike the unruly nature of the standard V8 powered G-Wagon, Kreisel’s version operates quietly yet is able to match the capabilities of the world famous vehicle that it is based on.
Kreisel Electric is a mobility company who believes that the electric motor is the most efficient method of propulsion. They have developed their own battery solutions for high performance applications.
The company’s founders Philipp, Johann and Markus have been involved in the electronics sector for the past 35 years. Philipp is the mechanical engineer, Johann the electronic specialist while Markus concentrates on the commercial aspects of the business.
Their company website provides an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings at Kreisel Electric and the amazing work that they are doing. This goes to show that you don’t need to be a fortune 500 company to do amazing things in the automotive industry.
Detroit Electric, the UK-based firm that showed great promise a few years ago, will reveal its upcoming plans at the Cenex’s Low Carbon Vehicles (LCV) 2017 event held in the UK. It’s here that the company will share its strategy which includes plans of launching a range of electric vehicles in the coming years.
The company has ramped-up operations after receiving an injection of US$1.8 billion (RM7.7 billion) in capital from a joint venture agreement. This has helped the firm stabilize its financial health as well as complete a major recruitment programme, which will see it employ between 150 and 200 posts by next year.
Chief Technical Officer and Company Director Richie Frost, said, “Having secured the solid financial foundation to embark on our business plan, we’re now building up our team to enable us to deliver our ambitious vehicle engineering programmes.”
“This represents an opportunity to be a major part of an incredibly exciting, fast-moving company, as we begin the most exciting EV development projects in the UK. We’re looking forward to having a chance to meet some of UK’s most talented engineers in this field expected at Cenex and to share these exciting future plans with them,” he later added.
Detroit Electric will also be investing heavily in expanding its engineering and manufacturing centre in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, to create a state-of-the art R&D facility, alongside its engineering hub in China.
A few years ago, the EV automaker showcased some pretty exciting Lotus-based EVs that never made it onto the showroom floor. Now, with this new joint venture, the company should be able to deliver, with better reliability, on the rest of its future plans.
Bollinger Motors, a relatively new US automotive company has unveiled what it considers the first practical all-electric SUV. Based on the conventional three box design of more dated 4×4 vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, the Bollinger B10 is said to be a a rugged no-nonsense off-roader.
The boxy design is rather basic and combines elements of several classic vehicles. It incorporates some design elements of the Defender for the front fascia, as well as the A-pillars, but further back, the squared roof and c-pillars are reminiscent of older Jeep Wrangler models.
It’s all-aluminum chassis with a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel rollover structure, is designed to handle the touchest of conditions. Overall weight is said to be 1,769kg and thanks to a dual motor setup, the B10 has a payload capacity of 2,767kg.
“The B1 combines Bollinger Motors’ advanced all-wheel-drive system with our all-electric powertrain to produce best-in-class horsepower, torque and ground clearance,” said CJ Winegar, Bollinger Motors engineer. “This vehicle signifies a huge leap above what is currently on the market. There’s nothing like it out there.”
At an overall length of 150 (in), a width of 1,493mm and a height 1,867mm, the B10 is by no means a small vehicle but thanks to clever enginering, it has a 50/50 weight balance for the front and rear.
Its painted in a gunmetal-like colour with black accents on the body work and the rims. Unlike most manufacturers, Bollinger Motors, isn’t trying to win any stylistic contests, instead, they want its capabilities to be its most talked about attribute.
On the inside, the basic black design continues and there’s only minimal gauges and switch gear. What’s unique however, is the machined table-like centre console that should allow for ample storage and placement of tools.
As mentioned earlier, power is supplied via two electric motors that provide a combined output of 360bhp and 640Nm of torque. According to the automaker, the B10 is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 204km/h.
These are synchronous electric motors that drive all four wheels. One is placed at the front and the other the rear, both are supplied with power by a lithium ion battery pack. Buyers can choose between a 60kWh or 100kWh version that produce either 193km or 322km range respectively.
Charging time varies depending on the battery pack. The smaller 60kWh takes 7.3 hours to fully charge but only 45 minutes using DC Fast Charge. The bigger 100kWh takes about 12.1 hours to charge but only 75 minutes with DC Fast Charge option. These numbers mean that if you lack the DC Fast Charging option, this won’t be the practical SUV that it is touted to be.
Bollinger Motors is currently in talks with a number of contract manufacturers to help them with building the B10. And once the deal has been finalized, the company is looking to start delivering vehicles to customers within two years.
