Toyota has various solutions to offer that can contribute towards the quest for carbon neutrality. It does not believe that pure electric vehicles (EVs) are the only way to go as different markets and regions require different approaches. It has hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology at one end of the range of mobility solutions and at the other more advanced end, it can also provide fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen.
For Malaysia at the moment, HEV technology is deemed the most practical solution and the company has started assembling HEV models locally to accelerate adoption. HEVs like the Corolla Cross Hybrid do not depend on charging stations to recharge their battery packs and the process occurs while the SUV is moving. Thus Malaysians can do their balik kampung journeys with peace of mind and don’t have to think about finding a recharging station.
Sunshine has energy which can be converted into electricity. With that energy source shining down on our planet daily for around 12 hours, it would seem that we should make use of it to power the many different types of modern equipment that we use today. And that is already happening with solar panels collecting sunshine which is converted to electricity for industrial use as well as things like water heaters in homes.
Now that there is this rush towards electrification of cars, why not use solar energy which is unlimited – and costs nothing? Manufacturers are spending billions in developing electric vehicles and surely they would have been able to come out with solar-powered cars by now. After all, they can even use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity which is then used to power cars.
Why are there few solar cars?
The problem is that the technology is still not advanced enough to generate the amounts of electricity constantly to keep a car running. Maybe in the Star Trek age another 250 years in the future, a small solar panel will be enough to power a car indefinitely but at this time, an array of solar panels on a medium-sized car would need around 8 days to fully charge a battery pack of 70 kWh. So it’s a technological issue that is keeping development of solar-powered cars at a snail’s pace for now.
But there are many ongoing efforts and such cars are ‘just around the corner’. In fact, by early 2023, one company might be able to start delivering solar cars to people who have booked one. The company is Aptera, a car company that started in 2005 in California, closed down and was revived in 2019 with a plan to make a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that also uses solar power primarily, and a battery pack as a range-extender.
The idea of using solar power as a supplementary energy source for cars is not new. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai have put small solar panels on the roofs of some models for additional electricity to power ancillary equipment.
Up to 1,600 kms range
Aptera’s solar electric vehicle (sEV) will require no charging for most daily use and the company claims that it can cover up to 1,600 kms per full charge if the battery pack is used as well. This is achieved with its ‘Never Charge system which uses 180 cells on diamond-shaped solar panels covering 3 square metres of the car’s body. These can collect sunshine to convert to as much as 700W which would be good for 64 kms of driving per day. Those 64 kms of essentially free range are collected by over 3 square metres of solar panels on the bodywork.
If you’re just driving around town daily, then you really would not need to recharge. But for longer distances, then there is a battery pack which has stored electricity to provide the extra range required. And Aptera says that recharging can be done with a household power supply, though how long it will take is not mentioned.
Propulsion is by 3 liquid-cooled in-wheel electric motors (two in front, one behind) that can give an acceleration time of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 96 km/h and a top speed claimed to be almost 180 km/h. For stability, there will be all-wheel drive and vectorized torque control.
Three wheels, instead of four
To maximize use of the electricity available, the sEV has to be as light as possible, requiring less energy to move. In fact, having three wheels instead of four is partly due to saving weight. At between 818 kgs to 1,000 kgs, the vehicle is said to weigh 65% less than other EVs on the market today. Aptera’s engineers have also used many different example to reduce energy loss, and by eliminating the fourth wheel, the contact point for friction and potential energy loss is lessened.
The body is built with ultra-lightweight composites and its arched shape mimics the physics of an eggshell to create a safety cell that is claimed to be much stronger than steel.
Aerodynamic efficiency of 0.13 Cd
Besides light weight, the other important factor is aerodynamic efficiency or how slippery the shape can be so that wind resistance is minimized. Less energy will be needed to overcome the wind resistance so performance will be better and at the same time, the energy saved can be used for extending range.
The aerodynamic form of the vehicle, which has a Cd of 0.13, is inspired by nature. The teardrop-shaped central body allows air to flow around it to ‘follow & copy’ that shape. This means airflow contacts the body at a certain angle around the front wheel area, as the air is being bent around the tapered nose. The wheel covers are tapered inward and the rear is tapered outward, making the overall shape more aligned with the main bodywork.
At the single rear wheel, the story is different. The wheel is positioned at the centreline of the vehicle and optimizations were applied to the bodywork in front of the wheel. Guiding the air in such a way that it avoids hitting the exposed part of the tyre, providing gains in terms of aerodynamic efficiency.
Intelligent cabin packaging
The sEV is a small vehicle and seats only two. However, intelligent packaging has ensured that those two people can carry a lot of gear or a lot of shopping from the supermarket. The layout has both occupants side by side, rather than in a tandem position like a motorcycle (as some solar vehicles have been designed). Much of the thinking behind the interior has been with manufacturing simplicity and flexibility in mind.
As would be expected, there are storage areas for the stuff we all carry these days as well as things like wireless charging pads. Environmentally-conscious materials are used, such as biodegradable and plant-based leather, recycled PET and 3D knit materials, bio-based plastic thread and recycled felt.
Pricing to be from US$29,500
Aptera is confident of moving into the production phase by the end of this year as it has received US$40 million (about RM178.3 million) in crowdfunding and commitments. It has also been accepting $100 (RM446) deposits from interested customers (it says there are already 25,000 reservations) and expects to price their first solar vehicle from US$29,500 (about RM131,500).
These days, there’s a new electric vehicle (sometimes even more than one) being launched or previewed every month and the technical aspects sound pretty much the same. The technologies to are generally similar with each company having some advancements of its own to shout about.
So with the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor seems to skirt the technical parts and instead draws attention to the inside of the first sedan in its EV sub-brand. The interior of the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ is developed to serve as a comfortable and personalized ‘hideaway’, providing a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and their passengers.
“IONIQ 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”
The cabin takes advantage of the E-GMP (the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform) which allows an extremely long 2950 mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. The E-GMP supports a streamlined body with an overall length of 4855 mm, 1880 mm width and 1495 mm height, which puts it in the D-segment.
A modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs. The infotainment system provides real-time travel radius mapping based on the current state of charge, while connected car services help search and plan the best route to include a charging station along the way.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring favourite smartphone apps to the widescreen display. For those without compatible smartphones, there’s also Bluetooth multi-connection support available. Two devices can be paired at the same time — one for phone calls and one for music streaming.
The premium Bose sound system’s 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience. Complementing this is a ‘spaceship-like’ sound with a sound texture that changes based on the vehicle’s driving status. How this will be received by the occupants of the car remains to be seen. Perhaps the new generation of car-buyers brought up in the digital age will appreciate such sounds!
The optional Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row promote leisure by simply adjusting the seat angle. In addition, all of its seats are specifically-manufactured for all-electric models, and they are approximately 30% thinner than those in other conventional models, providing more space for passengers.
Dual Colour Ambient Lighting allows a driver to customize the look and feel of the interior space by selecting from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 pre-selected themes. The Speed Sync Lighting mode adds emotion to the driving experience by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row based on the car’s travelling speed.
The IONIQ 6’s personalized driving experience is further enhanced by the EV Performance Tune-up system. This allows the driver to freely adjust steering effort, motor power, accelerator pedal sensitivity and driveline mode. Drivers can create a variety of different combinations with just a few button clicks to meet their individual needs.
Of course, we still need to tell you something about the technical aspects and here, the powertrains are varied. Customers can choose a long-range 77.4-kWh battery with 2 electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor set-up is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 325 ps/605 Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h of 5.1 seconds.
Hyundai Motor claims an impressive energy consumption rate of under 14 kWh/100 kms, with the 53-kWh standard battery pack, 18-inch tyres and RWD. It supports 400V and 800V charging infrastructures and with a 350 kW charger, the recharging time from 10% to 80 percent is said to be within 18 minutes. A fully charged battery pack should be good for over 610 kms.
The IONIQ 6, like the IONIQ 5, is also able to function as a mobile power station to charge electric devices. This would be ideal not only for camping but also when there is a disruption to power supply. In addition to the external power outlet, there is a second outlet under the back row seat which can be used for charging laptops, phones and other devices.
This EV Is Hyundai Motor’s first model to offer the Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates for various controllers. This allows owners to upgrade the car’s controllers for electric devices, autonomous driving, battery, maps (and more) without having to go to a service centre. As such, the systems will be kept up to date and optimised.
In the Korean market, the IONIQ 6 is priced between 55 million – 65 million won (about RM185,000 – RM218.000). Production is to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year with exports to selected markets starting in early 2023.
BMW’s experience making electrically-powered vehicles (EVs) goes back 50 years when it replaced a number of 1602 cars with an electric motor. The 1602e was developed specially for use during the 1972 Olympics that were held in BMW’s home city of Munich in Germany. Its main role was to lead long-distance runners without blowing unhealthy exhaust fumes in their faces.
In the years that followed, the company continued with R&D on EVs with a number of models shown to the public, run on public roads and largely used in real-world testing. The urgency to ‘electrify’ the range was not evident yet so attention was instead given to developing other technologies like EfficientDynamics.
In 2013, BMW began its era of electrification that continues to this day when it introduced the i3 as the first volume-produced model with a fully electric drivetrain. The i3, manufactured at the Leipzig factory, was a pioneer in many different ways. It had an independent architecture consisting of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carried the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery pack as well as a passenger cell made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This module was referred to as the ‘life module’.
BMW’s fifth generation eDrive technology that is used in the latest BMW and MINI EVs can trace its origins to the i3. The high-voltage battery pack developed for the model has also undergone continuous development since 2013, doubling its storage capacity while retaining the same installation space. In its final form with a cell capacity of 120 Ah and a gross energy content of 42.2 kWh, the final version of the i3 could travel up to 307 kms on a single charge.
In addition to its electric drive, the i3’s eco-balance stemmed from the choice of materials fully geared towards sustainability and resource-conserving production. It was the first BMW Group model to receive an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors at the time of its market launch, confirming its optimised environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle.
Partly recycled raw materials were used for its outer skin made of thermoplastics. The plastic used in the interior contained 25% recycled material. The textiles used for the seat surfaces were made entirely from recycled fibres, with the door panels of kenaf fibres. Eucalyptus wood from certified cultivation in Europe served as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel.
After a production run of 250,000 units (sold in more than 74 countries), production of the i3 has ended, bringing an era to close. But the farewell is also linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility. In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured at the Leipzig factory and from 2023, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the same location.
In the 8½ years that the i3 was on sale, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the EV segment in many markets than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in attracting additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80% of all buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.
Many i3 owners were ‘early adopters’ and reported being impressed by the reliability, low energy and maintenance costs. They reported that the brake pads did not need replacing even after more than 250,000 kms – because a large part of the deceleration power was provided by recuperation. The long-term quality of the battery pack was also praised as there was only a negligible reduction in range even after long running times. The BMW Group took this positive experience as an opportunity to increase the maximum mileage associated with the 8-year warranty period for the battery pack, extending it from 100,000 kms to 160,000 kms at the beginning of 2020.
The IONIQ name began as a model name in Hyundai Motor’s range. And it also had an interesting approach as Hyundai offered a choice of three types of powertrains in the same body – combustion engine, hybrid or battery electric. In 2020, however, the company decided to make ‘IONIQ’ (a combination of ‘ion’ and ‘unique’) a sub-brand that would be used for purely electric models.
Second of three models
When Hyundai announced the creation of the sub-brand in 2020, it said that it would come out with three new models and now, after the IONIQ 5, comes the IONIQ 6. It is adapted from the Prophecy concept car and is described as an ‘Electrified Streamliner’ with its aerodynamically sculpted form.
The clean, simple lines and a pure aerodynamic form present ‘Emotional Efficiency’ and the streamliner typology and mindful cocoon-like interior embody a silhouette for the new era of electric mobility. The unique design language has been used to pursue energy efficiency and sustainable material usage.
“IONIQ 6 connects an emotional convergence of functionality with aesthetics,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre. “The distinctive streamlined design is the result of close cooperation between engineers and designers, with obsessive attention to detail and customer-centric values at the core. We have created the IONIQ 6 as a mindful cocoon that offers personalized places for all.”
Human-centric design
As with most cars, the human-centric basis was set from the start, with the interior space developed simultaneously with the exterior form. Efforts were made to maximize and optimize the interior space, stretching it at the front and rear, resulting in a unique streamliner silhouette and spacious interior.
Like the IONIQ 5, this new model uses the Hyundai Look design strategy that gives each model a unique appearance, like chess pieces. By taking a customer-centric direction, Hyundai designs with diverse lifestyles in mind rather than with a one-style-fits-all approach.
Sleek and functional aesthetics
The IONIQ 6’s form has an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd. This is achieved by assisted by its low nose, active air flaps at the front, wheel gap reducers, and slim digital side mirrors.
Also contributing to reduced resistance is its elliptical wing-inspired spoiler with winglet, slight boat-tail structure, and separation traps on both sides of the rear bumper. On the underside of the car, a flat surface is evident with a full cover, optimized deflectors and reduced wheel-arch gap.
Parametric Pixels are the IONIQ brand’s identity and there are over 700 of them in various places on the bodywork as well as within. These include the headlamps, rear lamps, front lower sensors, air vent garnishes and centre console indicator.
The rear wing’s Parametric Pixel High-Mounted Stop Lamp (aka third brake light) has an eye-catching light execution when the brakes are applied. To further highlight the IONIQ 6’s uniqueness, a newly designed Hyundai ‘H’ badge is applied on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Personal space on wheels
The cocoon-shaped interior serves as both a comfortable hideaway and personal space, replete with practical features and sustainable materials to facilitate a mindful, eco-friendly mobility experience and lifestyle.
The Electric Global Modular Platform, optimised for electric vehicles, enabled the designers to stretch the interior, front and rear. This maximises legroom and spaciousness, with a completely flat floor giving expansive feeling.
The user-centric interior architecture is exemplified by an ergonomically designed control unit that is centrally located to reduce distraction and support safe, intuitive driving. The modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster. A bridge-type centre console provides convenient and generous in-car storage.
Dual Colour Ambient Lighting provides overall illumination for IONIQ 6 interior. Users can choose from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 dual colour themes developed by experts to help drivers and passengers feel relaxed and comfortable. The 4-dot Interactive Pixel Lights on the steering wheel enable easy communication between the driver and vehicle.
The removal of buttons from the front doors provides extra elbow space as well as adds storage capacity. Transparent accents on the crash pad garnish, door map pocket and console lower cover further accentuate the sense of spaciousness and uniqueness.
Eco-friendly materials
In line with the IONIQ 6’s Ethical Uniqueness theme and inspired by today’s eco-conscious consumers, the designers applied sustainable materials to the exterior, including recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tyres to the cladding and bamboo charcoal pigment paint to the body.
The interior is also trimmed in sustainable materials and colours. These include eco-process leather (seats), recycled PET fabric (seats), bio TPO skin (dashboard), bio PET fabric (headliner), bio paint derived from vegetable oils (doors), and recycled fishing net carpet — the latter a first for the IONIQ brand.
Technical details have not been released yet as the midsize model, likely to take over the place of the Sonata in future, will be officially launched later this month. The IONIQ 7 will likely be a larger crossover and make its debut in 2024.
After giving the Malaysia media a preview in April, Bermaz Motor Trading is now introducing the new Mazda MX-30 to the Malaysian public. The model, Mazda’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), is priced from RM198,780 and bookings are accepted at the Mazda Flagship showroom in Glenmarie, Selangor.
The development of the MX-30 is part of the company’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision of achieving carbon neutrality. The carmaker has also taken a different approach with performance (acceleration, top speed, range) not being the main focus but practicality and urban usage. This approach has helped to manage the costs which are still high for BEVs. (more…)
After releasing sketches of a new model in its BEV (battery electric vehicle) ID. range, Volkswagen has now issued the first pictures of the concept car that will be the basis of the flagship of the range. To be known as the ID. AERO, it will be the sixth member of the ID. family, after the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 as well as the iconic ID. Buzz.
The future model will be positioned in the premium midsize sedan segment and offered worldwide as the brand’s first global BEV sedan. the production version for China, a very important market for Volkswagen, is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2023. The European and global version will be made in Germany from 2023.
Electric offensive in China
With the ID. AERO, Volkswagen is stepping up its electric offensive in China as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. Following the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.6, the production version of the ID. AERO will become the fourth fully-electric model series in China when it goes on sale in the second half of 2023.
Two versions are planned for the world’s largest car market – one for each Volkswagen joint venture. Based on its regional strategy, Volkswagen is aiming to become the leading supplier of sustainable vehicles in China. As early as 2030, it is planned that at least every second vehicle sold in China will be an electric vehicle.
Elegant design characterised by aerodynamics
The concept car is almost 5 metres long and its design is greatly influenced by aerodynamic principles. The roof slopes elegantly to the rear in coupe style and contributes to achieving a very low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd.
Stylistically, the ID. AERO transfers the design of the ID. family to a sedan in the premium midsize segment for the first time. The aerodynamically designed front end and roof ensure that air flows optimally over the vehicle. The airflow is calmed by the slightly drawn-in rear end with a separation edge.
The front end is characterised by the ID. honeycombs typical for the ID. family. The front is horizontally split into two in the bumper and is a defining style element for the ID. AERO design. As another distinctive feature that makes the ID. AERO stand out in the crowd, a narrow light strip extends horizontally across the front out to the left and right of the illuminated Volkswagen badge and above the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, wrapping into the wings and side panels.
This light strip is continued visually to the rear end with a few interruptions. The dominant rear end features a striking dark light strip and LED taillight clusters with honeycomb structure that create an exclusive look.
The sporty 22-inch two-tone wheels are designed in the style of a turbine and are integrated flush into the wheel housings. Classic door handles are replaced by illuminated touch surfaces, which reduce the drag even further.
At the top of the silhouette, the bold tornado line and downward sloping roof line shape the design. The powerful shoulder section of the ID. AERO is located above the tornado line. The contour lines make the electric sedan appear flatter and give it a dynamic look.
Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB)
Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) permits short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an exceptionally spacious vehicle interior. The ID. AERO will have a powerful lithium-ion battery with a net energy content of 77 kWh. Thanks to the interaction of the efficient drive system and the excellent aerodynamic properties, the carmaker claims that ranges of up to 620 kms will be possible.
“With the ID. AERO showcar, we are revealing a preview of the next member of the ID. family. A car with an emotional and at the same time extremely aerodynamic design, a range of over 600 kms, an extraordinary amount of space and a premium interior,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “With our ACCELERATE strategy, we are intensively driving forward the electrification of our model range. Following the ID.4, this model will be our next global car for Europe, China and the USA. ”
Ford’s SuperVan series in Europe began in 1971, and since then, there have been three other SuperVans. This week, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Ford showed off the fourth Supervan and not surprisingly, it opens the first electrified chapter in the legendary series. The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan uses no petrol and fully utilises the potential of electric performance and enhanced connectivity to achieve the highest performance of any Ford van ever.
Four electric motors, a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, and a bespoke control system produce approximately 2,000 ps for sub 2-second 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time. Performance from a purpose-built, track-ready chassis including components from the recently unveiled E-Transit Custom 1 – the first fully electric version of Europe’s best-selling van – is complemented by Ford’s SYNC in-cab touchscreen technology 4 from road-going Ford models, as well as additional functionality to control the Electric SuperVan’s unique capabilities.
The enhanced connectivity keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimised performance, just like the integrated services that can accelerate the productivity of over 125,000 Ford Pro customers across Europe. Selectable drive modes and regenerative braking technologies similar to those on Ford production electric vehicles also feature.
The striking, all-electric demonstrator vehicle was developed in secret by Ford Performance and electrified rally and racing specialists STARD in Austria, with exterior design work was done by the Ford Design team in Germany.
“We’re bringing SuperVan into the 21st century with 2,000 ps of all-electric power for unmatched excitement and unmistakeable styling inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. But performance isn’t all about horsepower – the Electric SuperVan’s processing power means engineers can use real-time vehicle data to optimise its performance, just like on a top-level racing car,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
“Ford Pro is all about accelerating productivity for our customers – so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity?” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “This incredible demonstrator vehicle takes E-Transit Custom’s advanced engineering and distinctive look to a whole new level, and is high-speed proof of the power of Ford Pro’s connected services ecosystem.”
The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan is a one-off demonstrator, which gave the Ford Design team a lot of freedom to create a wild-looking vehicle that reflects extreme performance capability. The outlandish wheel arches, muscular style and one-off livery are the most extreme expression of Transit design. Meanwhile, the fully-electric powertrain offered the development team lots of freedom with fewer of the packaging and cooling restrictions that come with a combustion engine.
“The fourth chapter of the SuperVan story is designed to be the fastest, most extreme yet while keeping the Transit DNA. The proportions are a more dramatic version of what we developed for the E-Transit Custom and the front light bar creates a futuristic expression, making the Electric SuperVan the absolute pinnacle of Transit design language. The chance to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and reimagine what it could be in the 21st century was a dream opportunity,” said Amko Leenarts, Director, Design, Ford of Europe.
The vehicle’s motorsport-spec construction marries the E-Transit Custom floorpan with a steel spaceframe and lightweight composite body panels. A bespoke 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack is mounted for optimum weight distribution and a low centre of gravity and can be fully recharged in approximately 45 minutes using a standard electric vehicle fast-charger.
A suite of onboard cameras can immerse audiences around the world in the action during SuperVan’s impressive high-performance runs. As on the Ford E‑Transit, the driver can pull camera feeds onto the in-cab screen and switch between them to help position the vehicle.
Ford Performance and STARD’s motorsport input is immediately obvious; the dramatically sculpted body’s front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser would be at home on a racing car, while the radical rear design’s cutaways and dorsal fin flow into the rear wing to generate downforce and push the SuperVan into the track for as much grip as possible.
The latest Supervan continues the tradition started by the first one 51 years ago. That van has a mid-mounted engine taken from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. The next Supervan continued with the formula was taken further for SuperVan 2 with a lightened Transit Mk. 2 body draped over the monocoque. It had the 590 ps Cosworth V8 of Ford’s C100 racing car. The Supervan 3 was a facelifted Transit Mk. 3 lookalike, powered by the 650 ps Cosworth HB engine used in Formula 1 cars then.
Beyond demonstrating Ford’s advanced electric vehicle and connectivity know-how, the Electric SuperVan is also a high-speed science experiment. Its demanding driving scenarios and unrestricted design concept allow Ford to push the boundaries of electric vehicle engineering and connectivity to improve its future race cars and road-going vehicles, software and services.
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) aims to capture a 7% share of the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2030, by which time it expects to be selling 1.87 million vehicles annually. To achieve this goal, the Korean carmaker will invest around 19.4 trillion won (US$16.10 billion) in EV-related businesses.
Besides its own investments, it will also work with other parties in various fields of expertise and one of them is Michelin. A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed recently for collaboration on R&D for innovative tyre technologies over the next 3 years. These technologies will be used in the development of next-generation tyres optimized for premium EVs.
The MoU is the second one between the two companies, following the successful completion of their first partnership. This collaboration will lead to a new journey towards developing next-generation tyres to be equipped with the Group’s clean, smart and sustainable mobility solutions.
“This partnership with Michelin will result in real innovations in tire technology, solidifying Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a leader in the smart mobility industry,” said Bong-soo Kim, Vice-President and the Head of Chassis Development Centre at the Hyundai Motor Group. “By fully leveraging our mobility technology and Michelin’s tyre expertise, we are confident in our ability to achieve ground-breaking innovations in tire performance enhancement and create synergies in this organic collaboration.”
In the previous 5-year partnership that began in November 2017, the companies jointly developed an exclusive tyre for the IONIQ 5 EV. There were also joint experiments and analysis methods carried out which were related to tyres as well as technology exchange.
Over the next 3 years, HMG and Michelin will jointly develop the following innovations: eco-friendly tyres with increased use of eco-friendly materials; tyres optimized for next-generation EVs; and a real-time tyre monitoring system which will help advance autonomous driving technology.
“The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin over the past 5 years contributed to the successful launch of the Hyundai IONIQ 5,” said Georges Levy, Executive Vice-President of Automotive Original Equipment at Michelin. “We are pleased to announce that the relationship has been extended for 3 more years to continue our work together on new technologies in favour of safer, cleaner mobility. The association between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin is founded on the same vision and on a shared passion for excellence, performance and innovation that have become increasingly essential factors as we rise to the mobility-related challenges we all face today.”
The next-generation tyres will be installed on future premium EV models of HMG. The new tyre technology is critical to meet the durability requirements of tyres, as well as driving performance and electric efficiency under high load as the driving range of EVs continues to increase.
There will also be joint research to analyse tyre wear, tyre load and road friction beyond the current standards of tyre temperature and air pressure. The new tyres are also expected to significantly improve ride comfort by reducing vibration and noise generated by EVs at high speeds.
Additionally, there will be research into ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tyres to about 50% of the total tyre weight from 20% currently.
Hopium is a French car brand you probably never heard of. In fact, before October 2019, it never existed and was established in that month by Olivier Lombard, the youngest winner in the 24 hours of Le Mans (LMP2 class). Hopium is the brand of Hydrogen Motive Company which will make high-end hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (FCEVs).
Now 31 years old, Lombard starts off with 7 years of personal experience with such vehicles and has assembled a team of experts as well as business partners to develop the car of the future. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, Hopium is positioning itself as a player in the fight against climate change.
Prototype developed in record time
The development work began in October 2020 and by June 2021, the first prototype was produced in record time. It has been known as Alpha 0 and is used to certify the reliability of the fuel cell system. After the design and architecture phases, followed by the implementation of the various components within the vehicle, the prototype went through lab and track tests. It has already reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h, the performance level which is promised for the Machina, as the production model is to be known.
Over the past 12 months, the next phase following the rolling prototype has been underway and has led to the completion of the Machina concept car which gives a preview of the design features. Conceived by automotive designer Felix Godard (previously at Porsche, Tesla and Lucid) has a sleek aerodynamic form with an imposing grille in the ascending fuselage to optimize fuel cell cooling.
Inspired by water
The lighting signature is distinctive and also serves as the emblem of Hopium. The lines replicate the stratification of hydrogen and the movement of waves on the surface of water. In fact, much of the design has been inspired by water, which is a harmless by-product of the reaction in the fuel cell to generate electricity.
The platform has the fuel cell system installed up front, generating electricity that is stored in battery packs that are optimised in size and efficiency. The hydrogen storage tanks can contain over 6 kgs of the gas which will take only 3 minutes to fill with high-pressure pumps. The performance targets for the Machina are 500 ps, 230 km/h and 1,000 kms of range.
Future of the Human/Machine relationship
Godard and his designers imagine the future of the Human/Machine relationship inside the Machina. Facing the front occupants is a pillar-to-pillar display with a ‘digital landscape’ of information. It can transform into a full or minimized layout as desired, in a wave-like motion. The haptic console offers a new sensory connection with the interface.
At the back, passengers can enjoy the comfort of a spacious interior with a view of the sky. All the materials used for the interior are of the highest quality, and made to last a long time. The materials will be sourced in Europe to reduce their environmental impact.
Orders for the first 1,000 units of the Machina have been accepted over the past year but the company has not revealed how many there are. It will make its world premiere at the 2022 Paris Motor Show this October.