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Light Car - Open Source

Jan 22nd, 2009 by Mary Perkins

EDAG, the engineering services company, will be showing off its new environment-friendly vehicle at this year’s International Motor Show in Geneva.

Picture of the new Light Car
It is based on an all-electric drive system, and has a range of up to 95 miles. EDAG say “The matter of propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries in the rolling chassis onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. This is made possible by a system integrated in the wheels, which consolidates a number of functions: steering, brakes, drive and suspension.”
It is described as having an “innovative light concept and minimalised lighting technology… one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element.”
In the glass panes LEDs mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the car. The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste, just like you customise your computer’s desktop at home. And the driver can customise their cockpit: “Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned.”
For more information see the full press release by clicking HERE.

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New Electric MINI Launched

Oct 22nd, 2008 by Mary Perkins

MINI has manufactured a new ‘MINI E’ model, which will go on show for the first time next month. It is electric drive, with lithium-ion batteries, which are charged through an electric plug.

The MINI E, which looks set to be another classic, will be released in a limited number, on a leased basis, to select customers in Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey. BMW, who own the MINI, have hinted that they are already considering expanding its sales to other cities like London.Â

Mini E

The car is a 2-seater, with its electric motor under the bonnet supplying 204 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels directly using a single-stage helical gearbox, and draws its energy from the battery pack where the MINI’s rear seats would usually be. MINI say that the car will accelerate to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. As a city car, its top speed has been limited to 95 mph in order to conserve energy. It will travel 4.4 miles per kWh (approx 227Wh/mile), and 150 miles per recharge. One recharge takes about 8 hours. MINI says it will retain the agile handling of more conventional models.

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Lotus Eigne Concept

Sep 3rd, 2008 by Kelvin

The Lotus Eigne is an electric sportscar concept targeted to young families which combines the typical sportiness of Lotus models with a high level of practicality. The author is David Fearnley, who graduated from Northumbria University.

Lotus Eigne Concept

The Lotus Eigne is a concept aimed to offer a more practical sports-car for the Lotus line-up.

Designed by David Fearnley with a young family in mind, the Eigne intends to offer a level of practicality while maintaining the Lotus experience.

The generously-scaled central space of the cockpit can accommodate two adults and a child, behind the driver thanks to a 1+2 seating arrangement, made possible thanks to the in-wheel electric motors which eliminate any obstacles on the floor pan.

Lotus Eigne Concept

The in-wheel motors offer rear biased four-wheel drive for more control while maintaining the rear-wheel drive feel.

The batteries which power the electric motors are sandwiched in the floor pan to keep them cool and lower center of gravity for better handling.
Design

As David Fearnley explains “The surfaces have been created to cover the package of the vehicle and to improve aerodynamics.

“This can be noted on the front end where the traditional bonnet has been eliminated and replaced by a large front wing that is formed into the bodywork.”

Lotus Eigne Concept

This channels air through and over the windshield while creating extra down-force to improve front end handling.

The airflow glides over the roof and down the rear of the vehicle where it is pushed through a subtle spoiler integrated into the lip at the rear, intended to create sufficient down-force when coupled with the lower diffuser to replace the existing lip spoiler seen on current Lotus models today.

The surfacing under the belt line features a large intake which swoops under the car allowing ample cooling to flow to the rear in-wheel motors and helps suggest that the source of power is present from the rear – this detail is further accentuated by the rear wheel size being larger than the front.

“The convex and concave detailing which runs into the vent maintains the voluptuous Lotus styling and helps to disguise the fact the vehicle is a little wider through the center.”
Lotus Eigne Concept

Lotus Eigne Concept


Interior

Lotus Eigne Concept

The 2+1 seat layout is possible thanks to the electric four-wheel drive system which eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan.

The cockpit can accommodate the driver, two adult passengers and a baby-seat - positioned directly behind the driver.

The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the exterior.

The lightweight carbon-fiber and alcantara seats promote the sports theme further.

Some subtle elements hint at the electric powertrain of the car: these include the battery shaped logo and the circuit board pattern embossed on the floor.

Access

Lotus Eigne Concept

The access to the car was of prime importance. The side section of the chassis was lowered slightly to allow for an easier “step” into the vehicle.

As there is a center seat, access to it would be tricky with conventional doors, to overcome this, the doors incorporate a section of the roof in order to allow a larger access point to step in to.

The hatch at the back was designed to allow the full width of the boot to be easily accessed, great for the shopping, pram, golf clubs, etc.
About the designer

David Fearnley has graduated from the Transportation Design Course at Northumbria University with a 1st class BA(Hons) degree on 17th July 2008.

Among his professional experiences is a collaboration with JCB Excavators which led to two placements within the Industrial Design Department.

He is currently seeking internship and employment opportunities.

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