Clever New Ultra-Capacitors Could Boost EV Range - And Performance
Hybrid and electric cars could see significantly boosted driving range thanks to a new technology under development in France.
NAWA Technology is trialling so-called ‘ultra-capacitors’ that can charge and discharge far more quickly than regular lithium-ion batteries. They can’t store too much energy though, so their characteristics make them perfect to act as short-term performance boosters.
The idea is that these ultra-capacitors, which use carbon nanotubes like those built into the bodywork of the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio’s bodywork, could recoup much more energy from waste heat or braking and have it ready instantly to deploy during acceleration.
Taking much of this load off the main battery would extend driving range by quite a bit – or allow car makers to save weight and size by using smaller lithium-ion batteries. On top of that, less charging and discharging strain on the main battery means it should last longer.
NAWA says that trials based on a Formula E drivetrain that had been modified to include ultra-capacitors weighed 30 per cent less for the same overall performance. Applying CT maths, that’s potentially a whole lot more performance for the same weight.
The firm is now targeting the big three German premium brands, potentially as well as Jaguar, in the hope of seeing the fruits of its labours make production in 2022.
Source: Autocar
Comments
But it’s still electric :( I’d rather stick to a 1.4 Golf or Up! GTI
I’m sorry
But the Up! GTi is one the most overrated cars of last year(that’s including the Ford GT, 720S, facelifted R35 GTR etc)
It really isn’t as fun as people call it, it’s a bit too rounded and blunt. It’s sound is faked by Speakers, and the Phone connect thing is impossible to use and let alone the fact it costs 16000 pounds for a decent spec.
Just get the Mazda 2, it’s a MUCH better CAR
Ew
that Lamborghini still doesn’t have that much ground clearance
I don’t see what all of the hate about electric cars is about, I’ve driven a few of them, and they feel great. I see a majority of the hate is over range, even though you can go over 200 miles on a single charge in a large amount of EVs. I’m personally excited for the rise of the EV, and this development could lead to cool cars like the Terzo Millennio, or the new Tesla Roadster actually being made.
Don’t let your hopes get too high about the Roadster……unless if Tesla manages to save itself from bankruptcy
I’m all for it.
I’ve said before, an electric daily would be great. The money i would save could go on fuelling the weekend toy!
I just don’t like the no gears and lack of engine noise. It removes me from the experience and the raw excitement that no amount of instant torque can replace
I just hate that they are quiet
The fact is that for 95% of people (depends where you live - probably more in Europe and fewer in the US), electric makes the most sense. Right now, it’s a bit borderline because the tech isn’t fully there and there isn’t much choice.
As for the haters, I think they’re mostly just bandwagoning. No sane person would really care if their neighbour drove an electric car (in fact, it’d be a plus since it’d mean not being woken up by startups). If you want to drive an ICE car because you prefer it, then that’s fine as long as not too many people do it.
That’s super cool. Also, I think I’d be fine with electric cars if they played a ICE sound when it drove. It adds character.
Ummm it would do the opposite for me, people hate bmw speakers which enhance the car’s sound so i don’t think they’ll like a completely fake sound in an electric car . Super gimmicky.
No
But when flux capacitors
F1 next tech?
Talking about this, it would make PERFECT sense if used on an hybrid at le mans. It would probably make the tech easier to reach, use and produce, leading to more hybrid lmp cars
I dont hate electric cars I hate the fact that we are supposed to all buy them instead of ICE cars, which annoys me because it feels like we arent allowed to prefer other cars anymore and it is scary to me
Agreed
And who said that “you are supposed to all buy EVs instead of ICE cars”?
Come on flux capacitors!!
Is CT Maths equivalent to Top Gear Maths
If so use this to destroy them