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NEWS
SIM-Drive LEI EV prototype revealed
It may do 0-100 in 4.8 seconds and sport a 305km range, but the SIM-Drive LEI redefines uglyOkay, it looks like a Rinspeed i-MiEV at one end and a Prius sucking its bum in at the other. But the SIM-Drive LEI prototype EV’s Ssangyong-on-acid aerodynamics are the key to its most important feature: a 300km-plus range travelling at a steady 100km/h. Oh, and a sub-five second 0-100km/h sprint.
Gizmag reports that SIM-Drive presented its prototype EV at the 2011 Electric Vehicle Industrial Exhibition late last year. The company, a joint venture established by Japan's Keio University in 2009 and now including 34 Japanese tech companies and institutions, has no plans to manufacture the vehicle commercially, but aims “to provide the highest level of electric vehicle technology and information, at the lowest cost, to all those involved with electric vehicles.”
But commercial availability is not out of the question. Participant companies will be able to put it to market, with the possibility of mass production as early as 2013.
Looking to maximise the car’s operating efficiency, the company focused its attentions on aerodynamics. The result is nothing if not odd looking, but that sharply tapered rear end and massive overhang give the LEI a drag coefficient of just 0.19. By comparison, the slipperiest of cars on the market at the moment are in the mid-20’s – Toyota’s Prius is 0.26, Benz’s 2012 E Class is 0.25.
Tiny wing mirrors (supplemented by cameras) and external side impact beams all help reduce its frontal projected breadth by a total of 100mm.
A lightweight steel monocoque frame helps keep its weight to a respectable 1650kg (not bad this early in the evolution of the EV battery pack), while and low-resistance Bridgestone Ecopia tires help maximise its rolling freedom.
The LEI’s four direct-drive in-wheel motors, powered by a 24.9kWh lithium ion battery pack, push it 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 150km/h. SIM-Drive claims a range of 305km travelling at 100km/h. The motors are also configured to recoup energy on deceleration and braking.
Indoors, that huge tail translates into plenty of useful bootspace. The main control panel uses a 19-inch display for navigation and other ancillary controls.
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Written byJeremy Bass
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