Zeroshift invents technology for EVs to go Clutchless

Zeroshift, a UK based transmission company has made a significant breakthrough that could change the way we drive electric vehicles. They have developed a clutchless multi speed gearbox that uses dampers inside the gear hubs along with the electronic control of the motor for changing gears. This is a seamless operation.

There is no interruption whatsoever in torque allowing the motor to run at a higher efficiency, which in turn extends the range and battery life by as much as 10%. The electronic control of the electric motor is used to match shaft speeds and an integrated passive damper system within the drive hub that can isolate vibrations. With sealed pockets of silicone fluid and mechanical compression springs, the shifts are virtually unnoticeable to occupants.

Now the concept is being developed using Zeroshift’s proprietary gear-shifting system. This could allow electric vehicle motors to be downsized and keep them running for longer at medium loads and speeds with peak efficiency of 95%.

It is also believed that the improved efficiency could extend battery life. Improving the motor efficiency uses less of the energy stored for a journey, which eases the discharge-recharge cycles and cuts recharge time. This means that the cars can go on running for a longer duration.

Source – Green Car Website

Rendering – Nissan Leaf sports coupe

For all of those who thought electric vehicles were only meant for inter-city transport and grocery store runs, think again.

Nissan will send the Land Glider Concept into production by using the Leaf EV’s platform. The Nissan Leaf EV sports coupe will be available in the United States in the next three to five years according to reports.

The Nissan Land Glider concept has four wheels, but it leans into corners like a motorcycle. Two people sit one behind the other and the easy navigation allows you to cut through traffic in the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin.

Measuring nearly half the width of a family car, the Land Glider Concept has a maximum top speed of 62mph.

There are no details available at this point on how much of all that is going to cross over into the production model, but expect something much more conventional from Nissan. If the vehicle turns out to be as sporty as the rendering here, then I see a lot of buyers licking their lips!

Image Source – Auto In Car

Anupam Singh Parihar conceptualizes futuristic airport load hauler

With a zero-emission powerplant, this Airport luggage carrying trolley is designed by Anupam Singh Parihar who hails from India. Anupam’s “Togian” is a compact load hauler which can move up to 3 tons of weight.

The vehicle’s focus is transporting maximum possible load and hence there’s not much room for the operator. With a tiny cockpit built for a single person and his assistant, we’d say this sleek equipment is cleverly designed. The windshield is large which allows for high visibility, a critical factory in an environment such as an airport.

There’s aggression too – headlamps, tail lamps, flashing lamps are all designed to gel well with the overall design. The vehicle makes use of lead acid batteries, the range or the top speed is not specified.

The futuristic load carrier will look out of place in today’s airports. Perhaps ten years down the line, the Togian could carry your and my luggage while we’re in transit.

Togian by Anupam Singh Parihar

Rendering – 2012 Audi A2

Here’s another graphic representation of the much awaited 2012 Audi A2 MPV. According to latest reports the next generation A2 (shown here) will come with an electric powertrain.

The car will be pitted against the likes of the Mercedes Benz B-class and the new range of BMW Megacity electric cars which reach the markets globally in 2013.

Audi is looking to resurrect the A2 using the low-cost Audi A1 platform and giving it an electric heart.

The 2012 Audi A2 will be classified as a compact electric MPV with a monocoque shell. The interiors are designed to offer maximum room and the car will be dubbed “A2 e-tron”

Could Audi use a small diesel or petrol engine to boost the A2′s range? Only time will tell.

Game changer? JFE Engineering develops 5 minute EV charger

The biggest challenge auto manufacturers are facing today with electric vehicles is it takes far too long to replenish the batteries giving EVs an unattractive image.

What JFE Engineering has innovated can potentially eliminate that problem completely. The Japanese engineering firm has developed an electric charger that plugs into your EV and provides up to 70% charge in a matter of 5 minutes!

If you’re in a rush to the local supermarket, you can get 50% charge in just 3 minutes. That’s less than what it takes to perform a “splash and dash” fuel stop at the local petrol station.

JFE Engineering Official -

We have shortened the charging time to three minutes, the same amount of time for refueling petrol or making a simple purchase.

EV charging infrastructure available today in modern cities take almost overnight to provide full juice to batteries. This is a common reason why people prefer combustion models. But with such drastic improvements made in the electrical industry field, EVs might take over our world very soon!

By the end of March 2011, this JFE hopes to install the charger in petrol stations across Japan for the public to use. There is no word on the cost yet.

Source – Car Advice Australia