Charged with Electric Vehicle News and Views
Following the official launch of the LaFerrari last week we thought it was an appropriate time to re-run a CGI tour of the LaFerrari 950 hp 900 Nm Electric assisted powertrain.
A Rice University laboratory has flexible, portable and wearable electronics in its sights with the creation of a thin film for energy storage.
Rice chemist James Tour and his colleagues have developed a flexible material with nanoporous nickel-fluoride electrodes layered around a solid electrolyte to deliver battery-like supercapacitor performance that combines the best qualities of a high-energy battery and a high-powered supercapacitor without the lithium found in commercial batteries today.
The new work by the Rice lab of chemist James Tour is detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Their electrochemical capacitor is about a hundredth of an inch thick but can be scaled up for devices either by increasing the size or adding layers, said Rice postdoctoral researcher Yang Yang, co-lead author of the paper with graduate student Gedeng Ruan. They expect that standard manufacturing techniques may allow the battery to be even thinner.
In tests, the students found their square-inch device held 76 percent of its capacity over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles and 1,000 bending cycles.
Tour said the team set out to find a material that has the flexible qualities of graphene, carbon nanotubes and conducting polymers while possessing much higher electrical storage capacity typically found in inorganic metal compounds. Inorganic compounds have, until recently, lacked flexibility, he said.
“This is not easy to do, because materials with such high capacity are usually brittle,” he said. “And we’ve had really good, flexible carbon storage systems in the past, but carbon as a material has never hit the theoretical value that can be found in inorganic systems, and nickel fluoride in particular.”
“Compared with a lithium-ion device, the structure is quite simple and safe,” Yang said. “It behaves like a battery but the structure is that of a supercapacitor. If we use it as a supercapacitor, we can charge quickly at a high current rate and discharge it in a very short time. But for other applications, we find we can set it up to charge more slowly and to discharge slowly like a battery.”
To create the battery/supercapacitor, the team deposited a nickel layer on a backing. They etched it to create 5-nanometer pores within the 900-nanometer-thick nickel fluoride layer, giving it high surface area for storage. Once they removed the backing, they sandwiched the electrodes around an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide in polyvinyl alcohol. Testing found no degradation of the pore structure even after 10,000 charge/recharge cycles. The researchers also found no significant degradation to the electrode-electrolyte interface.
“The numbers are exceedingly high in the power that it can deliver, and it’s a very simple method to make high-powered systems,” Tour said, adding that the technique shows promise for the manufacture of other 3-D nanoporous materials. “We’re already talking with companies interested in commercializing this.”
Rice graduate student Changsheng Xiang and postdoctoral researcher Gunuk Wang are co-authors of the paper.
The Peter M. and Ruth L. Nicholas Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative supported the research.
Robert takes a 'very comfy' drive in the hybrid Lexus is300h, and some musings on the scale of electricity use by fossil fuel refining.
Chris Harris takes a trip to Los Angeles to drive the new BMW i8.
Capable of 23 miles all electric before the 3-cylinder turbocharged motor kicks in to recharge the batteries. Harris things the i8 is one of the closest production cars ever seen that looks almost identical to the concept car it's based on.
The LaFerrari is powered by a 950bhp petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 3sec, from 0-124mph in less than 7sec and from 0-186mph in less than 15sec. Top speed is 220 mph and production is limited to just 499 models.
The battery compartment is integrated into the chassis (the batteries and engine are mid-mounted) to improve stiffness, while the electric drive itself consists of two motors, one with 161bhp to power the rear wheels and another for the ancillaries. The batteries weigh 60kg and can be charged either under braking or via any excess torque produced by the engine, which is diverted from the rear wheels.
This is all attached to a 6,262cc V12 with a screaming 9,250rpm rev limit, driving through a seven-speed paddle-shift gearbox. On its own this engine produces 789bhp and 516lb ft of torque. Combined with the electric motor this swells to the 950bhp headline figure, as well as 664lb ft of torque.
The wireless charging space is on fire this week with first Hella and now TDK announcing that it has entered into a licensing agreement for wireless power transfer technology with U.S. based WiTricity Corporation (Watertown, MA). The aim of the alliance is to develop wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles (EV) and other mobility applications, and to promote business.
Wireless power transfer technology can supply electricity without using cables. The technology TDK intends to implement is known as resonant magnetic coupling for wireless power transfer*. Because power can be transferred efficiently even though the power source device and power capture device are separated by many centimeters and through roadway materials such as concrete and asphalt, this technology is expected to find commercial application in EVs and other mobility areas requiring recharging.
TDK boasts ferrite and other proprietary magnetic materials. Leveraging its strengths in magnetic materials technologies and circuit technologies, in 2009 TDK developed wireless power transfer coil units for smartphones and other compact electronic equipment, which it is now manufacturing and selling.
Furthermore, since 2010, TDK has been developing wireless power transfer systems based on unique technologies that are envisaged mainly for EVs. In 2013, TDK created one of the world’s smallest and lightest prototype wireless power source and capture systems, and verified its ability to transfer the required power levels at high efficiency for charging electric vehicles.
Capitalizing on this licensing agreement with WiTricity, TDK plans to quickly commercialize wireless power transfer systems for charging EVs and other electric mobility applications.
The all-new 2014 B-Class Electric Drive features dynamic design, a premium interior and a powerful electric motor for emission-free mobility. This allows for lively, effortless driving pleasure over a real-world range of 85 miles (EPA)*. In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, the B-Class Electric Drive sets clear standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety for up to five occupants. The B-Class Electric Drive, bearing the unmistakable three-pointed star trademark, will first be launched in the US market in the summer of 2014.
The new B-Class Electric Drive surprises with an especially dynamic driving experience. It provides noticeably powerful acceleration, while gliding along quietly. The new electric Mercedes offers the driver and up to four passengers the familiar high standards of ride comfort in a high-class, spacious and precision-designed interior. The B-Class Electric Drive combines dynamic and driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short: it delivers electric driving at premium level.
Powerful drive with brisk acceleration
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, for which the current generation has become a bestseller since being launched in many countries in 2011. Since the launch of the first B-Class version in 2005, Mercedes-Benz has seen customers taking delivery of over one million of these vehicles. As an especially versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class with its innovative electric drive now allows additional environmental friendly capabilities to Mercedes standards.
Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with TESLA Motors to develop the electric B-Class. The two companies share many years of cooperation in the field of electric mobility. The battery for the predecessor model of the smart fortwo electric drive, for instance, came from TESLA. For the B-Class Electric Drive, Mercedes-Benz is once again leveraging the extensive know-how available from the electric car pioneer and is using the TESLA drive system in its own vehicle.
Quiet and local emission-free driving is ensured by an electric motor generating 177 hp (132 kW). Typical for an electric drive system, the motor develops its maximum torque of 251 lb-ft (340 Newton meters) from the very first touch of the accelerator. This is approximately equivalent to the torque from a modern three-liter gasoline engine. The result is noticeably powerful acceleration from a standing start. The electrically driven B-Class drives from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Effortless drivability and exhilarating driving pleasure with a high level of comfort are thus guaranteed in every situation.
The power supply to the electric drive is delivered via a highperformance lithium-ion battery, which is compactly and safely housed in the “Energy Space” in the underfloor of the vehicle. Such intelligent packaging allows the five-seater to retain the B-Class’s familiar spaciousness in both its interior and its luggage compartment of 17.69-51.42 ft3.
Zero emissions also on longer journeys
In the interests of optimizing range, the top speed is electronically limited to 100 mph. Depending on driving cycle; the vehicle has a range of 85 miles (EPA)*. This permits emission-free driving not just in city traffic and on short journeys, but also over longer distances – such as a daily commute. The B-Class Electric Drive can be charged from any standard domestic power socket. For a range of 60 miles, the charging time at 240V in the United States is less than 2 hours*. On the road, the electric drive itself makes its own contribution to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic energy into electric current during coasting and braking, and feeds this energy into the battery.
Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design
Refined sportiness combined with aesthetic appeal – the B-Class Electric Drive features the self-assured and dynamic styling so typical of Mercedes with powerfully defined lines and finely crafted details. The front and rear sections express the width of the vehicle. This is ensured by the wide, prominent grille and the headlamps, which wrap round into the sides, as well as by the wide rear window, two-piece tail lights and large tailgate with deep sill. A dynamic look is created by door-sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps. The charge socket is inconspicuously installed behind the conventional fuel door.
Sporty interior with classy touches
The interior underscores the high standards of comfort typical of Mercedes-Benz. High-grade materials and finely textured surfaces, classy touches and precision workmanship make it clear that Mercedes-style electric drive is defined by high standards.
The three large round center air vents with their uniquely styled cruciform nozzles add a sporty flair that contributes to the overall emotive design idiom of the interior. Positioned above the air vents and seemingly free-floating is the screen for the telematics system – a state-of-the-art eye-catcher in the cockpit.
In terms of information and communication systems, the electric B-Class offers levels of comfort and functionality that is customary of any Mercedes-Benz. The standard equipment package includes a head unit with 5.8 in (14.7 cm) color display, twin tuner and MP3- Page 4 compatible CD player as well as USB port. The Becker® MAP PILOT is the standard navigation system while the COMAND multimedia system with internet access, navigation and LINGUATRONIC voice control is also optionally available.
The instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive is rounded off by functions that are specific to electric vehicles. One of the striking features is the power display in the right-hand circular instrument. The instrument pointer moves in a clockwise direction from the green zone towards the red zone, when full power is demanded by the driver. It drops back below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding energy into the battery through the recuperation feature.
Ideally networked: connected services
Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, the B-Class Electric Drive is not just sustainable and agile, but also connected. For example, the Vehicle Homepage allows convenient remote interaction and remote configuration of the vehicle. The driver can use their PC or smartphone to conveniently access the vehicle via the internet. It is possible, for instance, to determine the current state of charge of the lithium-ion battery or show the vehicle’s current range on a map. In addition, the planned route can be displayed, showing at a glance where the vehicle can be recharged along the way, should this prove necessary. The range of connected services is rounded off by a feature that allows individually timed pre-heating or cooling of the vehicle. This pre-entry climate control system makes the B-Class Electric Drive unique in its segment.
Big on safety
Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the BClass Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”, the battery is safely accommodated in the underfloor of the vehicle, where it is ensured protection in the event of a crash. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has equipped this innovative electric car with the radar-based collision warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance system gives the driver a visual and audible warning of detected obstacles, prepares them for braking action and assists them with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way, it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additional cutting-edge driver assistance systems are also available, including Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Parking Assist.
Electric drive made by Mercedes-Benz
Locally emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is asserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric vehicles that are fully suitable for everyday use. Mercedes-Benz aims to strengthen its position in future, not least with the new BClass Electric Drive, which will be available initially in the USA as of mid of 2014, before subsequently being launched in European markets.
| Output | 177 hp (132 kW) |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) |
| Range | 85 miles (EPA) |
| Charging time for a range of 60 miles [US City] | USA: under 2 h at 240V |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 7.9 seconds (estimated) |
| Top speed | 100 mph (160 km/h), electronically limited |
In more news on the soon to be launched BMW i8, we've found a short video of the car testing at the Nürburgring. Also, while in Munich recently on business, I personally spotted an i8 test mule in morning peak hour traffic with a young lady at the wheel (I didn't take the pictures as I was driving the rental)
BMW plans to sell the i8 in about 50 countries, with the U.S. expected to be the largest sales market. In Europe, Germany, France and the UK are expected to be the top markets. Deliveries to retail customers in Europe are scheduled to begin in June 2014, and about one month later in the U.S.
Pricing for the 2015 BMW i8 destined for the U.S. market starts at US$135,925. BMW are currently taking orders for the i8 in Japan. Pricing starts at ¥19,170,000 (US$191,500)
