X-EV
The Concept
The philosophy behind the X-EV was to build the best Urban EV available, this meant that the traditional car design conventions had to be re-thought.
We set out to design and build an electric vehicle that could be sold at relatively low-cost by utilising the benefits of digital technology, supply chain efficiencies through ‘packaged component' design and using simple yet advanced modular production techniques.
It was determined that the X-EV should give the consumer the convenience of what they're used to in a small I.C.E. car and therefore we decided it must meet or exceed the following key features:
- Appealing design and high comfort level.
- Make use of the most up to date ‘Telematic' technology
- Offer unsurpassed ‘Value for money'
- Provide a minimum of 3 seats
- A target range of 200kms between re-charges
- Performance on par with other I.C.E. ( Internal Combustion Engine) cars in its class.
Structural Integrity
Our X.Frame chassis evenly distributes weight and structural stress throughout the entire chassis, reducing the possibility of torque or twisting, increasing durability and reliability.
Utilising this spaceframe technology enables us to build a generic chassis platform that will accept variants such as leisure vehicles, Vans and pick-up trucks.
Fleet users will be able to purchase in low volume, if necessary, special body and power train packages tailored to their specific needs.
Production Process - X.Frame Technology
Our X.Frame construction assembly process enables us to reduce the assembly costs significantly and the production facility required utilises a fraction of the space associated with more traditional production techniques.
The body module is constructed, painted and fitted out, entirely separately before mechanically joining this with the chassis platform, thus ensuring the body is delivered to the final assembly point in mint condition - The resultant mechanical combination of modular body and chassis components enables low-cost and easy crash repair, servicing and replacement of body panels and modular parts.
The use of spaceframe technology not only allows us to reduce assembly costs it enables us to create armoured safety cell structures within the chassis to protect important components in the event of crash damage.
For example the battery pack is the single most expensive element of the X-EV and must be able to retain its energy storage capability in the most extreme circumstances. That's why we have created at the very heart of the car a structural safety cell in which the battery pack is encased.
The X.Power Module
In line with our determination that the X-EV performance be on par or exceed that of other I.C.E. powered cars in its class and provide a range at or near a minimum of 200kms we investigated all the battery options available. It was clear to our team that the decision made here would have a massive impact on the viability of the X-EV.
In the last few years battery technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. As recently as 1996 John Goodenough's research group at the University of Texas discovered LiFePo4 was suitable as a Cathode material for Lithium batteries.
Since that time they have been improved with the use of nanophosphate material and are now in high volume production.
LiFePO4 batteries offer greater range, power and safety. They provide full power until they are completely discharged, and can be recharged to circa 85% of full charge within 30 mins and 100% recharged within 2 hours. LiFePO4 chemistry is also environmentally friendly and recyclable. Power for weight far exceeds any other battery type available.
Here's a list of just some of the advantages of LiFePo4 batteries:
- Safe technology - will not catch fire or explode if overcharged
- Over 2000 discharge cycles life compared to typically around 300 for lead acid
- Double the usable capacity of similar amp hour lead acid batteries
- Virtually flat discharge curve means maximum power available until fully discharged (no "voltage sag" as with lead acid batteries)
- Unlike lead acid batteries, can be left in a partially discharged state for extended periods without causing permanent damage
- Extremely low self discharge rate (unlike lead acid which will go flat quite quickly if left sitting for long periods)
- Does not suffer from "thermal runaway"
- Can be used safely in high ambient temperatures of up to 60C without any degradation in performance
- Maintenance free for the life of the battery
- Can be operated in any orientation
- Does not contain any toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, nor any corrosive acids or alkalis thus making LiFePO4 batteries the most environmentally friendly battery chemistry available
- LiFePO4 cells are of solid construction - there are no fragile/brittle plates made of lead which can be prone to failure over time as a result of vibration
- Can be safely rapidly recharged - when fully discharged can be brought to a state of over 80% fully charged in less than 30 minutes
In partnership with our battery supplier we have developed our LiFePo4 X.Power Module to enable the X-EV to attain the performance parameters and range needed to provide the consumer what they are used to.
The ‘state-of-the-art' LiFePo4 battery bank used in the X-EV is made up of 100 individual cells each packed into ‘sealed-for-life' shock resistant cases, these are metal strapped in banks of 4 cells. 20 cells are packed into specially made Aluminium trays these in turn are then packed into weatherproof anodised aluminium ‘X.Power Modules'. The whole is then encased in a structural Aluminium frame - this forms the X.Power Module. This in turn is locked into position within the chassis ‘crash protection cell' but designed to be removed and replaced easily into and out of the car from the rear either for servicing or for possible future ‘hot swop' scenarios, whereby the depleted battery bank is removed and replaced with a fully charged ‘Module' in a matter of minutes.
X.Power Module Fleet Management
Each X.Power Module can have fitted an integrated GPS transmitter feeding in real-time to a remote ‘control centre' - data on the status and location of each Module.
This compliments the GPS tracking software which will report the status and location of every
X-EV in the fleet. Because the X-EV is able to utilise the latest in online communications including ‘geo-limit control' it offers the opportunity to run fleets of vehicles from unmanned ‘hire points' offering travellers a convenient and low-cost automated urban ‘pay as you go' car rental system.
Remote Diagnostics
The X-EV Battery Management System (BMS) has been designed to ensure correct management of all aspects of the X.Power Module, confirmed by extensive internal and external testing.
Every one of the 100 cells packed into the X.Power Module is fitted with a BMS PCB that directly relates to the cell's overall performance. Any abnormal activity outside of the pre-programmed safe parameters will be immediately reported to the driver and if connected online in real time reported to the X-EV monitoring centre. The onboard diagnostics will report the exact nature of the fault and dependent on the nature of the fault the cell can be isolated without damage to the rest of the X.Power Module and the X-EV continue to the nearest service centre for checking.
‘Range Anxiety'
We have addressed ‘Range Anxiety' which is the fear that an electric vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination and thus stranding the vehicle's occupants. This type of ‘anxiety was first experienced in years gone by when I.C.E. cars first began being used by independent drivers before fuel station infrastructure was developed.
We recognize that although the X-EV is primarily an Urban use vehicle and therefore re-charge centre's will be available within close proximity this coupled with the fact that recent surveys indicate that ‘range anxiety' is just not an issue, some consumers may have concerns.
Therefore we have included the option to retain a reserve of power that can only be unlocked by entering a pin number to make this available, this therefore acting as a reserve ‘tank of fuel'. In addition the X-EV will of course also be monitoring the remaining power/range and will be providing the driver with regular range warnings and the location of the nearest re-charge centre. In such circumstances it's highly unlikely that a driver would therefore run out of power before reaching a re-charge point.
Range Extender
The contents of a recent report on the usage of electric vehicles in the UK - confirm the vast majority of EV drivers will use their cars like the typical I.C.E. car driver - Which in the UK are average journeys of less than 5miles and not more than the 23mls overall average per day.
Even so, we have included 2 options of range extenders in the design of the X-EV. The consumer will have the option to have fitted either a Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) or 4-stroke genset fitted to extend the range of the X-EV by up to 30%.
Solar Roof Panel
In partnership with solar voltaic specialists we have developed a solar roof panel which will be offered as an option to provide constant power during the day light hours sufficient to operate auxiliary electrical equipment such as climate control and communications devices. Any excess power will be directed to recharge the main X.Power Module.
Specification and Performance
The X-EV is front wheel drive with fully independent suspension all round.
The XTR/ PM brushless motor is mated to a specially engineered fully automatic transmission housed within a compact aluminium alloy casing specifically to provide a lightweight unit weighing less than 60kgs, which helps to ensure that the weight is perfectly distributed, to provide a safe and balanced ride. With masses of Torque (circa 200N-m) and lighter weight, in sports mode, we expect the X-EV to outperform a Mini Cooper S - although top speed is electronically restricted to 105kph, unless de-restricted by driver command.
Maximise Energy Use Efficiency
We designed the X-EV in the way we would a racing car utilising lightweight, yet structurally strong materials carefully calculating the weight/benefit of each component and wherever possible minimised the use of analogue/mechanical processes in preference to lighter weight digital controls. One of the biggest causes of frictional energy loss can be incorrectly inflated tyres, because of this the X-EV will be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system ( TPMS) which employ pressure sensors inside each tyre, that send information to the vehicle's instrument cluster.
To maximise range capabilities four drive mode's are selectable by the driver - Normal, Sports, Eco and Rain. This selectability enables the driver to determine his proprieties between range and performance.
Disc brakes are fitted all round and regenerative braking will come as standard to contribute to braking efficiency and energy conservation.
Interior Layout, Features and Telematics
We have designed the X-EV to be small and manoeuvrable with a central driving position thereby providing unrivalled ‘all-round' visibility and ‘midsize' driver comfort in a small car and providing easy access and decent leg room for two rear seat passengers.
We have also saved the additional production costs associated with having to build left and right handed versions, which would otherwise be required to meet local market needs.
The X-EV will be fully ‘Telematic' enabled - this term refers to automobile systems that integrate mobile communication with on board computer systems.
Full Function Telematics
The X-EV ‘telematic' system will have Internet connectivity and the capability of the following owner selectable functions:
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Data Comms
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Video on Demand
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Email
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Internet TV
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Full Function GPS
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Remote SOS alarm
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Vehicle tracking
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Remote Geo limit control
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Remote onboard systems control
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Security tracking
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Remote diagnostics
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Remote monitoring
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MP3
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Roadside assistance
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Infotainment
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Vehicle 2 Grid (V2G)
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VOIP
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Voice activated commands
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Docking stations will be provided for Apple and PC products.
Additional optional features will include front and rear parking sensors, front and rear facing cameras. Electric windows, climate control, touch screen dash panel, voice activated controls, rear passenger DVD player and automated systems status information.
Target Retail price Less than €20,000
Availability Q3- 2011
