Dr Automotive Design and Tools

Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors - two each at the front and rear axles - drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers, or 154
miles.

The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the consistent
and holistic strategy. The design makes it clear that the e-tron belongs in
the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the
specific realities of an electric vehicle. The battery is directly behind the
passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.

The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four
electric motors to the wheels as required. This torque vectoring allows for
dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when
cornering.



Audi has taken a new, and in some cases revolutionary, approach to many of the
technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the
interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are
controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial
component for achieving the car's range without compromising its high level of
interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings,
which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the
optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience.

The Concept

Electric drive systems are still very much outsiders. The first vehicles of
this type took to the roads around 1900, yet in 2009 no volume car
manufacturer has a car powered exclusively by batteries in its lineup. Fewer
than 1,500 electric vehicles are currently registered in Germany,
corresponding to only 0.035 percent of all registered vehicles.

Yet electric driving potentially offers numerous advantages. Electric cars
reduce the dependence of transportation and the economy on the raw material
petroleum. They produce no direct exhaust emissions and thus ease the local
burden on the environment. Electric drive systems are also significantly more
efficient than combustion engines, consequently making them easier on the
customers' wallets. Other strengths include sportiness and the fun they bring
to driving. All of the torque is essentially available the moment the driver
steps on the accelerator, allowing for breathtaking acceleration.



There is still a lot of work to do before electric cars are ready for volume
production, however. The greatest challenge is the integration of the energy
storage system. Acceptable range and performance requires a traction battery
that is heavy and takes up a lot of space. Audi is taking a new approach to
offset these disadvantages - a holistic approach with a specific vehicle
package, a systematic lightweight construction concept and an optimal
configuration of all components for the electric drive.

Audi e-tron - The Holistic Approach

The most important development related to batteries for electric drives are
lithium-ion cells. Numerous experts throughout the world are working on their
further development for use in cars, with the primary objectives being to
reduce weight and increase capacity and performance. Audi has also opted for
this technology, both for use in a hybrid production vehicle, such as the
upcoming Q5 hybrid, and in the e-tron test platform.

The requirement specification for the concept vehicle goes far beyond battery
technology and the replacement of the combustion engine with an electric drive
system, however. The Audi development engineers decided back in the concept
phase to design practically every component and technology based on the new
requirements of electric mobility. The interaction of all elements has a
decisive influence on the factors efficiency, range and practicality.



The Audi team therefore focused its attention on the total vehicle, which is
reflected in the comprehensive requirement specification.

-- The reduction of road resistances and the resulting increase in range
plays a major role with electric vehicles. Lightweight construction
was
therefore a top priority for the e-tron concept car. The body, in
particular, combines low weight with supreme strength and rigidity. An
intelligent aerodynamics concept with active elements helps to reduce
consumption.
-- The package ensures the safe integration of the electric drive system
and the battery. Placing the battery in front of the rear axle ensures
an optimal axle load distribution without compromising the compact
overall design and the generous amount of interior space.
-- Advanced battery technology enables a practical range. The battery
system is water-cooled for optimal performance and service life.
-- A needs-based energy management system controls all functions for the
chassis, convenience equipment and other auxiliary consumers.
-- The innovative thermal management system with optimally matched
cooling
and heating components considers the cooling requirements of the
battery
and the drive system in addition to the interior temperature.
-- Driving dynamics and road comfort are what Audi customers have come to
expect in the sports car segment.
-- Vehicle safety is on par with the best of today's production
vehicles.
-- The driver is provided with clear and comprehensive information.

-- The e-tron concept car uses car-to-x communication technology
developed
by Audi to improve the efficiency of conventionally powered vehicles.
For example, information about traffic light cycle times and the flow
of
traffic - provided by the infrastructure and other vehicles - is used
to
compute an optimal driving strategy. Audi has already modeled such a
solution in Ingolstadt as part of its "travolution" project.


Design and Package

The caliber of the car is apparent to the observer at first glance. The Audi
e-tron has a wide, powerful stance on the road. The car body seems almost
monolithic; the closed rear end appears powerful and muscular. The trapeze of
the single-frame grille dominates the front end and is flanked by two large
air intakes. The top of the grille merges into the flat strips of the adaptive
matrix beam headlamp modules with their clear glass covers. High-efficiency
LED technology is used for all lighting units - a matter of honor for Audi as
the worldwide pioneer in this field.

The headlamps are the core of a fully automatic light assistance system that
reacts flexibly to any situation. The new technology recognizes weather
conditions and adapts the illumination to rain or fog. The technology at the
heart of the light assistance system is a camera that works together with a
fast computer to detect oncoming traffic, recognize lanes and measure
visibilities, such as in the event of fog.

If there is oncoming traffic, for example, the high beams are turned off in
the corresponding section of the illumination field. The cornering light
system analyzes data from the navigation system and illuminates corners before
the driver steers into them. The Audi e-tron does not have conventional fog
lamps that consume additional power. It instead intelligently varies the low
beams to widen the illumination field, thus significantly reducing the glare
from the car's own lights.

The variability of the headlamps is also reflected in their design. The LED
elements change appearance and thus the character of the front end of the
vehicle depending on the speed driven and the ambient conditions. The
innovative lighting technology offers the Audi designers almost as much design
freedom as the shape of the body does.

New design elements unique to the e-tron are the air intakes in the
single-frame grille and in front of the rear wheel wells. They are closed
flush under normal circumstances and opened by means of flaps when additional
cooling air is required. Maximum efficiency is also the reason behind this
measure. The concept car has a remarkably low drag coefficient, which gets
even better when the flaps are closed.

The vehicle body is compact. The sweeping line of the front end and the flat
curved roof immediately identify the two-seater as an Audi. The contours of
the flanks are familiar. The tapering of the dynamic line above the sill and
the shoulder line tie together the front end, the side and the rear, lend a
plastic quality to the doors and the transition to the side air intake and
sharply emphasize the Audi-typical round wheel wells with the large, 19-inch
tires.

At 1.90 meters (74.80 in) wide, just 4.26 meters (167.72 in) long and 1.23
meters (48.43 in) tall, Audi e-tron has the proportions of a supercar. The
wheelbase of 2.60 meters (102.36 in) leaves plenty of room between the axles
for people and technology. Like with a mid-engined sports car, the cabin of
the e-tron is shifted far forward toward the front axle, leaving room in front
of the rear axle for the roughly 470 kilogram (1,036.17 lb) battery unit, the
inverter and the power electronics.

The two electric motors, which have their own cooling system, are mounted
behind the rear axle. The front electric motors are mounted on the front axle,
with their cooling system arranged in front of them. This special package,
which features a 42:58 weight distribution, ensures perfect balance, which
contributes to the driving dynamics of the e-tron.

Systematic lightweight construction is an even more important prerequisite for
efficiency and range with electric vehicles than for conventionally powered
automobiles. The Audi development engineers drew on the core competence of the
company for the e-tron. The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF)
technology and was realized as a hybrid construction. All add-on parts -
doors, covers, sidewalls and roof - are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced composite material
guarantees supreme rigidity coupled with low weight. Audi will soon use this
technology in a similar form for production vehicles. Despite the complex
drive system layout with four electric motors and a high-capacity battery
system, the total weight of the Audi e-tron is only around 1,600 kilograms
(3,527.40 lb).

Interior and Control Concept

Optical and functional references to the new drive concept characterize the
interior design. They establish an advanced connection between proven Audi
genes and new formal hallmarks. Typical for the Audi design language is the
reduction of the architecture, controls and flow of information to the
essential in favor of visible lightweight construction and a tidy overall
impression.

The dash appears to float and has a curve that extends laterally into the door
panels. With no need to allow for a transmission, shifter and cardan tunnel,
the designers took advantage of the opportunity to create a particularly slim
and lightweight center tunnel and center console. The flush gear selector,
with which the driver chooses between the modes forward, reverse and neutral,
emerges from the tunnel when the vehicle is started.

The cockpit of the e-tron is also oriented toward the driver - a further
characteristic Audi trait. Instead of the classic instrument cluster, the
concept car is the first Audi to be equipped with a large, fold-out central
display with integrated MMI functions. It is flanked by two round dials.

The MMI is controlled via a scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the
steering wheel ("MMI touch") - an element inspired by modern smartphones.

While an analog speedometer on the right provides speed information, the
instrument on the left tells the driver how much power is being drawn. The
central display shows the range in the status bar and presents all key
information from the infotainment and navigation systems. It also provides the
driver with relevant data from the vehicle's communication with its
surroundings. The instruments combine the analog and the digital worlds into a
single unit.

Characteristic for the concept of the Audi e-tron is the near total
elimination of switches and small components such as the ignition. The climate
control unit is located to the right above the steering wheel. The display
provides temperature and ventilation information. Again drawing inspiration
from a smartphone, the system is controlled by means of a touch-sensitive
sliding control.

The racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats combine excellent lateral support
with comfort. Contrasting colors - snow white and cognac - delineate the
various zones of the interior. The colors and the high-quality materials
combine elegance and sportiness.

Drive System and Energy Supply

Four asynchronous motors with a total output of 230 kilowatts (313 hp) give
the Audi e-tron the performance of a high-output sports car. The concept car
can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds if necessary,
and goes from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The torque
flows selectively to the wheels based on the driving situation and the
condition of the road surface, resulting in outstanding traction and handling.

The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph), as the amount of energy
required by the electric motors increases disproportionately to speed. The
range in the NECD combined cycle is approximately 248 kilometers (154 miles).
This good value is made possible by the integrated concept: technology
specially configured for the electric drive system combined with
state-of-the-art battery technology. The battery block has a total energy
content of roughly 53 kilowatt hours, with the usable portion thereof
restricted to 42.4 kWh in the interest of service life. Audi uses liquid
cooling for the batteries.

The energy storage unit is charged with household current (230 volts, 16
amperes) via a cable and a plug. The socket is behind a cover at the back of
the car. With the battery fully discharged, the charging time is between 6 and
8 hours. A high voltage (400 volts, 63 amperes) reduces this to just around
2.5 hours. The Audi engineers are working on a wireless solution to make
charging more convenient. The inductive charging station, which can be placed
in the garage at home or also in special parking garages, is activated
automatically when the vehicle is docked. Such technology is already used
today in a similar form to charge electric toothbrushes.

The battery is charged not only when the car is stationary, but also when it
is in motion. The keyword here is recuperation. This form of energy recovery
and return to the battery is already available today in a number of Audi
production models. During braking, the alternator converts the kinetic energy
into electrical energy, which it then feeds into the onboard electrical
system.

The Audi e-tron, which is slowed by four lightweight ceramic brake discs,
takes the next large step into the future. An electronic brake system makes it
possible to tap into the recuperation potential of the electric motors. A
hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel
electrically-actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle. These
floating calipers are actuated not by any mechanical or hydraulic transfer
elements, but rather by wire ("brake by wire"). In addition, this eliminates
frictional losses due to residual slip when the brakes are not being applied.

This decoupling of the brake pedal enables the e-tron's electric motors to
convert all of the braking energy into electricity and recover it. The
electromechanical brake system is only activated if greater deceleration is
required. These control actions are unnoticeable to the driver, who feels only
a predictable and constant pedal feel as with a hydraulic brake system.

Making its Automotive Debut: The Heat Pump

The heat pump - used here for the first time ever in an automobile - also
serves to increase efficiency and range. Unlike a combustion engine, the
electric drive system may not produce enough waste heat under all operating
conditions to effectively heat the interior. Other electric vehicles are
equipped with electric supplemental heaters, which consume a relatively large
amount of energy. The heat pump used by Audi - and commonly used in buildings
- is a highly efficient machine that uses mechanical work to provide heat with
a minimum input of energy.

A high-efficiency climate control system is used to cool the interior. It
works together with the thermal management system to also control the
temperature of the high-voltage battery. The battery, the power electronics
and the electric motors must be kept at their respective ideal operating
temperatures to achieve optimal performance and range.

As soon as the vehicle is connected to a charging station the vehicle is
preconditioned as appropriate by the thermal management and other associated
systems.

The drive system is heated if temperatures are cool, and cooled if hot. This
preconditioning can also be extended to the interior, if necessary, so that
the passengers can step into a cabin that has been heated or cooled as
appropriate for their comfort.

Driving Dynamics

The normal distribution of the tractive power is clearly biased toward the
rear axle in accordance with the weight distribution of the e-tron. Similarly
to a mid-engined sports car, roughly 70 percent of the power goes the rear and
30 percent to the front. If an axle slips, this balance can be varied by means
of the four centrally controlled electric motors. The electric vehicle from
Audi thus enjoys all of the advantages of quattro technology.

The four individual motors, which in the interest of greater traction are
installed behind the wheels as wheel drives, also enable the e-tron's lateral
dynamics to be intelligently controlled. Similar to what the sport
differential does in conventional quattro vehicles, torque vectoring - the
targeted acceleration of individual wheels - makes the e-tron even more
dynamic while simultaneously enhancing driving safety. Understeer and
oversteer can be corrected by not only targeted activation of the brakes, but
also by precise increases in power lasting just a few milliseconds. The
concept car remains extremely neutral even under great lateral acceleration
and hustles through corners as if on the proverbial rails.

The chassis has triangular double wishbones at the front axle and trapezoidal
wishbones made of forged aluminum components at the rear axle - a geometry
that has proven in motorsports to be the optimal prerequisite for high
agility, uncompromising precision and precisely defined self-steering
behavior. A taut setup was chosen for the springs and shock absorbers, but it
is still very comfortable.

The direct rack-and-pinion steering gives finely differentiated feedback. Its
electromechanical steering boost varies with speed, so that the e-tron only
has to provide energy while steering, and not while driving straight ahead.

As befitting its status, the Audi concept car rolls on 19-inch tires with a
new blade design. 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires in the rear provide
the necessary grip.

Car-to-x Communication

The electronics development engineers at Audi not only aimed to make the
e-tron as efficient and fun to drive as possible, they were also very
concerned with safety and traffic management. The technical concept car
includes a prototype of an information processing system. Future generations
of these systems will usher in a new era in the networking of road traffic,
particularly in regions and countries with a high volume of traffic. This
progress is made possible by the rapid advancements in computing power,
software and communication technology.

The buzzword "car-to-x communication" refers to the direct exchange of
information in flowing traffic and to the traffic environment. The letter "x"
is a free variable that can refer just as easily to other vehicles as to fixed
infrastructure such as traffic lights. In contrast to today's telematic
systems, car-to-x communication no longer requires a central service provider
to quickly and effectively pool and process information. The participants
themselves perform these tasks by spontaneously networking with one another.

The future car-to-x network still needs some time before it becomes reality on
the roads. This obstacle is one that can be overcome, however, as nearly every
carmaker in Europe, the U.S. and Japan have decided to develop a common
standard for hardware and software. Once all new cars are equipped with this
technology, a functional network of automotive transmitters will soon be
available, at least in large population centers.

These transmitters can be used to open up many new practical applications.
Below are just four examples showing the possibilities offered by car-to-x
communication.

Example 1 - Efficiency and range: Numerous external factors influence energy
consumption and thus the range of any vehicle. An intelligent vehicle equipped
with car-to-x technology is aware of necessary braking or acceleration
maneuvers in advance because it combines navigational data with information
about the flow of traffic, for example. The central computer can prevent
driver actions that would use energy unnecessarily or use targeted braking for
recuperation of the battery.

Example 2 - Safety: A vehicle has spun out on a slippery road in a blind curve
and is unable to free itself under its own power. At the same time, other
vehicles are approaching quickly. The stuck vehicle uses car-to-x to send out
a warning signal reporting the precise location of the hazardous location. A
corresponding warning then appears on the navigation system display of the
approaching cars.

Example 3 - Traffic flow: Many cars are traveling between traffic lights on an
arterial road. Over and over again, they accelerate only to have to brake
again when the traffic light changes to red. Car-to-x technology enables them
to establish a network between themselves and receive information from the
traffic light controller. The drivers can then make more judicious use of the
gas pedal because they know what to expect. The same applies for imminent
traffic jams: cars ahead provide information that results in adjustments to
the posted speed limits, noticeably spreading out the traffic.

Example 4 - Convenience: The driver has entered a shopping center with a
chronic shortage of parking spaces into his navigation system as the
destination. With car-to-x, the mobile system networks with the parking space
registration system at the destination. When the system in the parking garage
reports that a convenient parking spot is available, the navigation system can
register its location and also reserve the spot.

VW has unveiled a zero-emissions concept car called the E-UP! The Design is based on modules of the New Small Family anticipated in the year 2011, but at a length of 3.19 meters it is even more compact. It offers an innovative 3+1 seating concept.

Drive unit – battery and integral drive

The 135 km/h fast 3+1 seater is driven by an electric motor with a peak power output of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW). The motor of the front-wheel drive car, which is mounted in front, develops a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meters right from rest. The driver activates forward or reverse gear via a rotary knob in the centre console. The fact that the E-Up! will also quite clearly offer driving enjoyment is demonstrated by a look at the car's classic 0 to 100-km/h sprint time: 11.3 seconds. The E-Up! develops even greater responsiveness in the intermediate sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in city driving: 3.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is based first on the electric motor's excellent torque characteristic and second on the low kerb weight of the E-Up!, which is just 1,085 kilograms.

Lithium-ion battery: The car's low weight is quite astounding, given the fact that 240 kilograms are taken up by the lithium-ion battery. The implemented battery's energy capacity of 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh) enables driving distances of up to 130 kilometres, depending on driving style – enough for the city and the drives of most commuters. The E-Up! will be "refueled" in the garage at home, in a parking structure or on the road at one of the future municipal recharging stations that will be enabled by chip card. Depending on the available charging infrastructure and the battery's momentary charge state, the storage battery could be charged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity within an hour.

If the batteries are recharged in a home garage, for example, by plugging it into a 230-Volt household outlet, this would take a maximum of five hours. Generally, off-peak night-time electric rates are very inexpensive. So refueled at night the E-Up! could be driven 100 kilometres for just two Euros in electricity costs (about 14 Euro cents / kWh).

The batteries themselves are housed in the underbody of the E-Up! To optimally distribute the weight of the battery system, it is housed in a special, crash-protected tray in the underbody frame. Air cooling ensures a constant heat balance within the batteries. The fans and heat exchangers needed for this are housed in the front section of the underbody.



Integral drive: The teams of Concept Development (headed by Ralf-Gerhard Willner) and Engine Development (headed by Dr. Jens Hadler) integrated all important drive assemblies and auxiliary assemblies in the engine compartment at the front end. The design of an integrated form of the electric drive made a key contribution toward reducing weight and space requirements for the drive unit. Background: All components important to the powertrain are unified in compact form in the so-called integral drive. In this unit, the electric motor, together with the transmission and differential, form the centrepiece of this drive. Energy is supplied via a high-power pulse-control inverter, which is combined with the 12-Volt electrical system DC/DC converter and the charger to form the compact integral drive. At 140 kilograms, the integral drive is also very lightweight. To summarise its advantages: low space requirement, ideal acoustic comfort, high torque and power development and strong driving performance in the city. So the system fulfils the requirements of an innovative electric drive in a nearly ideal way.


Styling – the Beetle of the 21st Century

The E-Up! emphatically demonstrates that emission-free Volkswagens will be anything but lacking in emotion. Responsible for this, once again, is the team led by Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva. Together with Klaus Bischoff (Chief Designer, Volkswagen Brand) and Flavio Manzoni (Head of Creative Design, Volkswagen Group), he developed a layout for the E-Up! that reflects the visual bandwidth of the future New Small Family. The E-Up! bears a resemblance to previously presented concept vehicles of this new model series – the Up! (city specialist), Space-Up! (microvan) and Space-Up Blue! (fuel cell powered van) – it represents a design stage that reflects the future production car even more closely.

"The E-Up!", says Klaus Bischoff, "is characterised by a reduced, very clear and yet highly emotional design." And that is certainly no coincidence. The car's lines consistently follow Volkswagen's new era "design DNA" that was developed by de Silva, Bischoff and Manzoni. Its key stylistic traits: Simplicity, purity, durability and perfection of its technologies and quality. Bischoff: "The new concept is therefore very much in harmony with its stylistic 'siblings' of the New Small Family, the Roadster BlueSport and the new Polo." Dimensions of the E-Up! are 3.19 meters (length) x 1.64 meters (width) x 1.47 meters (height). Its wheelbase is 2.19 meters.

Front end: Although E-Up! styling was developed from the Up!, the electric car differs from conventionally powered models in the new model series. Consider the front end: It fits in perfectly with the brand's new family face, yet at the same time it refers back to one of the greatest icons in automotive history in the area of the engine bonnet: the Beetle. Nonetheless, the E-Up! does not reveal the slightest hint of retro styling; instead, designers created new and unmistakable styling tools that would carry the small Volkswagen far into the future.

Fitting in with this image are the headlights with their facet-like lenses – cut like diamonds – that extend over the entire width of the lens cover. Another interesting detail: the fog lights. At first glance they can hardly be recognised as such. The designers have configured them as C-shaped, chrome-trimmed elements in the headlight housings. Also style-defining is the black line running in a circular pattern in the bumper – a typical characteristic of the New Small Family. "In the interplay of all elements, the bumper, headlights and engine bonnet," explains Klaus Bischoff, "the E-Up! really appears to smile. And that is how it should be." Conspicuous: There are hardly any openings at the front end, since there is no need for separate cooling of the drive unit.



The VW logo on the V-shaped engine bonnet of the E-Up! is more than just an homage to the Beetle. Hidden behind the folding logo is the integrated port for charging the batteries. The advantage of positioning the plug port here is that it makes it easier to recharge the E-Up! from stations on either the left or right sides of the street or directly in front of the car.

Side profile: "In keeping with Volkswagen's "design DNA" the side sections also exhibit a high level of stylistic purity, following the Bauhaus principle created in the 1920s in Germany that 'less is more'," says Flavio Manzoni. This car's visual identity is very intentionally created by just a few graphic elements that blend together to form a new unit in the classic Bauhaus approach to creative art and innovative technology. These defining elements of the E-Up! side profile include its side glass and shoulder styling line above the door handles known as the tornado line. The side profile styling is further defined by the car's short body overhangs, the confident outward shaping of the wheel housings and unique C-pillar. Flavio Manzoni explains the special presence of the C-pillar: "Visually, the vertically aligned C-pillar is positioned above the rear wheel, which conveys a feeling of balance and solidity. These properties are indispensable for a Volkswagen. Last but not least, the prominent and powerful wheel styling gives the car a perfect 'demeanour'".

Rear end: The basic graphic forms of the tailgate and rear bumper follow those of the very first Up! However, the once again completely glazed tailgate now exhibits significantly larger taillights in dark smoked glass look. Running through the taillights is a line trimmed in chrome that extends across the tailgate. The circular chrome line unites the two taillights in a vertical direction. These accents are also reflected in the matching graphic element of the front and rear bumpers.

Solar roof: The roof of the E-Up! is equipped with solar cells over an area measuring 1.4 square meters. This area – between the rear part of the roof edge spoiler and the front windscreen – can be enlarged to 1.7 square meters in total by folding down the sun visors that are also equipped with solar cells. The solar cells continuously supply energy to the car's electrical system, and while the vehicle is parked they help to cool the interior by supplying energy to the car's ventilation system.


Interior I – Instruments and controls

Flavio Manzoni: "The interior was designed in complete harmony with the car's exterior styling, and it exhibits a similar aesthetic with a technical-purist influence." To improve the electric car's energy economy by avoiding unnecessary loads, actuators such as mirror adjustment and window lifts were designed to be manually operated. Nonetheless, the highly innovative E-Up! makes its appearance with an impressive array of future generation high-tech displays and controls. They are all quite self-explanatory, and the car's controls are intuitive, making driving and life with this Volkswagen as simple and stress-free as possible.

HMI: The concept car has a touch-screen based HMI (Human Machine Interface) with intelligent E-Up! specific indicators and assistance functions. During navigation, the system continually monitors the momentary load state of the batteries, for example, as well as activated energy consumers such as lights and air conditioner, momentary traffic data, elevation profiles of potential routes and the locations of available charging stations. The driver can display these "filling stations" at any time; available charging stations may be reserved within a defined reservation time period.

The charging process can also be precisely planned to the minute via the HMI. This lets users charge the E-Up! during a specific time period in which electricity is available at special low rates. The charging process can be activated at any time via an intuitively operated application installed on an iPhone or similar mobile device, even from outside of the vehicle. Even more: From the application users can query the momentary charge status and vehicle location (the latter via map display) or simply check whether the car is locked. Moreover, to preserve vehicle battery power the program lets users pre-condition the E-Up! interior. This involves cooling or heating the car's interior as long as the car is still connected to the charging station and is drawing its electrical power from the electrical grid.


Interior II – 3+1 seating concept

The generous space implemented over a total vehicle area of just 5.1 square meters is absolutely astounding. Several factors are responsible for this clever packaging. First, there is the reduced size of the instrument panel, which was shifted further forward than usual toward the engine compartment. This was enabled, among other things, by optimising the components within the instrument panel. Second, the small Volkswagen is a 3+1 seater. This means that the front passenger seat is located 50 millimetres forward, thanks to the instruments being shifted further forward. This layout increases leg room in the rear behind the front passenger tremendously. As a result, two adults can sit comfortably on the passenger's side. Stepping into the vehicle is also simplified by an Easy-Entry feature, which allows the front passenger's seat to be pushed up to 270 millimetres away from the rear bench. There is less leg room behind the "normally" positioned driver's seat; the space here was designed as a spare seat.

Additional freedom of movement is provided to rear passengers by lowering the centre tunnel in front of the rear bench seat; it serves as an additional footrest. This enables use of an electric handbrake in the style of the Passat, so that no lever mechanism obstructs the footwell.

Cargo area: The clever packaging solutions do not end there: To optimise comfort in the rear, the rear seat backrest is split 40/60. When the backrest on the driver's seat is folded down (40 percent section), stowage capacity is increased from 85 to 180 litres (with loading to the upper edge of the front seat backrest). This stowage space can be enclosed by a load barrier that folds down out from the folded backrest. When the entire rear seating backrest is folded down, a stowage capacity of 320 litres is created. It is even 520 litres when loaded to the roofliner. To transport long objects, the front passenger's backrest can also be folded to a pass-through position. In this configuration, the E-Up! can handle objects up to two metres in length.

This high degree of variability will also certainly characterise the affordable production version of an Up! powered by an electric motor. That is because electric cars, as Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn insists and therefore wrote into the specification for this future Volkswagen, must be truly affordable and offer uncompromising everyday practicality.


Micro-mobility in the city – made by Volkswagen

Volkswagen is comprehensively addressing implementation of this everyday practicality. These efforts not only encompass the vehicle itself, but the entire environment around the car driver. In the city, for example, this includes the realisation that after parking the E-Up! people will want to cover shorter distances without a car – from the job to lunch, to the fitness studio, another meeting, whatever is on the day's schedule. For these shorter trips, the Volkswagen "Micro-mobility in the city" concept team has invented clever zero-emission micro-vehicles. The Kickstep, for example, which is an ultra-compact folding scooter. And the electrically powered Microbully, a scooter that also fits easily in the E-Up! load space. There is also the ped-tric, a folding bike with electric motors built into the wheel hubs that could also make the trip to the city aboard the E-Up! And even the VW_1M, a large electric moped – the size of a carry-on case when not in use – that could be stowed in the E-Up! without even needing to fold down the rear bench seat. Such micro-mobility solutions were created at the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam. So the E-Up! will be putting many things into motion. In 2013 this will become a reality for the first time.

For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW's EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy – the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle – resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from 1990 through 2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.

Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.




BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a "clean-sheet" development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car's emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.

Through this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly demonstrates the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production models.

The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.



In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.
Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.

The combustion engine is a cutting-edge turbodiesel featured for the first time in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. Displacing 1.5 liters on three cylinders, the engine consistently follows the downsizing principle of using a relatively small engine combined with a turbocharger to reduce fuel consumption.
Through its compact dimensions, the 3-cylinder fits conveniently in front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car, despite the two seats at the rear. Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency. Engine output is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft.

The specific output of 109 hp per liter sets a new benchmark in diesel technology. The power delivered by the turbodiesel is conveyed to the rear axle by means of a double-clutch transmission (DCT). This advanced transmission technology, which already offers a particularly dynamic driving experience in BMW's M3 and Z4 Roadster, allows the driver to shift gears without the slightest interruption of power. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics features a newly-developed version of BMW's DCT with six speeds for maximum efficiency and flexibility.

Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive.

The combustion engine is supplemented by two electric motors. Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid philosophy, development engineers followed the principle of "Best of Hybrid," choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear.



In this concept, the driver benefits from the efficiency of the electric motors over a far wider speed range than with a conventional hybrid car. The rear axle comes with a second-generation full-hybrid system corresponding to the technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production model. The compact electric motor positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring. When coasting or applying the brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator and feeds electric power to the lithium-polymer battery in the car. The electric energy developed in this way is therefore captured without any additional consumption of fuel through the principle of Brake Energy Regeneration. Energy wasted on the brakes of a conventional car is thus saved within the new power system for subsequent use in driving the car.

A second electric motor acts on the front axle. This engine, a hybrid synchronous motor, offers continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower. The power is transmitted through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to run completely under electric power, with the power of the turbodiesel engine alone, or through an infinite combination of the three power sources. Depending on driving conditions, the two electric motors may be used both for accelerating and for regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting. This principle ensures efficient energy management, with the charge status of the lithium-polymer battery constantly remaining within the optimum range.

When accelerating, the electric motors help to boost the car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate response and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For a short time, such as in passing maneuvers, the cumulative maximum output of all three engines increases to 356 hp, with maximum torque generated by the three engines reaching 590 lb-ft.

Lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.

The energy cells featured in BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are housed in a chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the car. The front unit is the lithium-polymer complex, an ongoing development of the lithium-ion battery. Overall, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells, each offering a capacity of 30 amp/hours and developing continuous output of 600 Amps at a voltage of 3.7 V. For a period of 30 seconds, each cell is even able to develop maximum output of 1,200 Amps.

Serial arrangement of the lithium-polymer cells serves to generate nominal voltage of 364 volts, the gross storage capacity of the battery is 10.8 kW/h. With an unusually high discharge capacity of 80 percent, the battery delivers 8.6 kW/h for driving the car. This superior performance comes on overall weight of the entire energy storage system of just 187 lb. A further advantage is that through their optimum dimensions tailored to the specific qualities and features of the car, the lithium-polymer cells, together with the operating strategy chosen with a concept of "forward looking" energy management, reduces the thermal load acting on the battery to such an extent that there is no need for active cooling.

Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.

Brake Energy Regeneration captures electric power generated while driving without additional fuel consumption, which is subsequently used to supply power to the electric motors and on-board network. A further option is to connect the lithium-polymer cells to a conventional power socket for a simple and efficient charge process, using a plug-in connector in the front-right wing of the car. Connected to a standard EU power outlet (220 V, 16 Amps), the system requires a maximum of 2 ½ hours to fully charge the lithium-polymer cells. And wherever a power source with higher voltage and amperage (380 V, 32 Amps) is available, the charge time is an even shorter 44 minutes.

In addition to electrical energy storage, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a conventional fuel tank at the rear end of the central chassis tunnel, offering a capacity of 6.6 gallons. Running on diesel fuel alone, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover a distance of approximately 400 miles with its combustion engine. Benefitting from an extra range of up to 31 miles in the all-electric mode, the car offers an overall range of approximately 431 miles. As a result, this unique concept car offers all the requirements for using energy with maximum efficiency and at the same time experiencing the dynamic performance typical of BMW without any restriction of everyday driving qualities.

Performance, fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.

The power delivered by the two electric motors and single diesel 3-cylinder engine gives the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept a level of performance superior to anything provided so far by a hybrid vehicle. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h, for example, comes in just 4.8 seconds and the car could exceed its electronically-limited 155 mph top speed.

At the same time fuel efficiency and emission management now reach a standard only achieved, if at all, by far less powerful small cars conceived for city traffic and short distances. Applying the criteria of the EU test cycle, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offers average fuel consumption equal to 62.6 mpg. CO2 emissions, in turn, are 99 grams per kilometer. These consumption and emission figures are measured on a consistent internal power balance, meaning that the batteries and storage media for electrical energy maintain the same charge level throughout the entire test cycle (with the same level at the beginning and end) and are charged while driving only by the car's on-board systems.

As a plug-in hybrid, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover the entire drive cycle for measuring fuel consumption also with its combustion engine completely switched off. Then, to subsequently charge the lithium-polymer cells to the same status as when setting off, all the driver has to do is connect the car to an external power grid. To determine the consumption of electric power, the only requirement is to compare the charge level of the battery before and after the test cycle. Applying this measurement process, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car consumes 17.5 kW/h per 100 kilometers, equal to a CO2 emission rating of just 50 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle.

To determine the total volume of CO2 emissions when driving in the all-electric mode, new legal standards for measuring the level of fuel consumption are currently being prepared for hybrid and electric cars with a plug-in power supply. Applying this calculation method, the CO2 emission ratings generated by BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are reduced further to just one-third of the original figure of 99 grams per kilometer. Clearly, this significant reduction of emissions opens up a new dimension in BMW's EfficientDynamics development strategy in this unique concept car.
Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW's Motorsport experience.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also takes a new approach in its design and streamlining, the body and the interior clearly expressing the unique combination of supreme efficiency and the sporting performance of the brand. Following BMW's design language, this concept car visualizes both highly efficient aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics differs from the usual low-emission car concepts. The principle of "form follows function" is not just for the overall look of the car, but embraces each and every detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like roofline, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offers the slender silhouette of a classic Gran Turismo. With the combustion engine fitted in front of the rear axle, the designers have succeeded in giving the car a very low front end, with the flow of air being further smoothened by active louvers in front of the radiator, which close completely when the need for cooling air is low. This efficient function follows in the footsteps of the active air flap control already used as a feature of BMW EfficientDynamics in some of BMW's current production models. As a further highlight, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics guides air smoothly and exactly as required into the car through an active air intake at the front.

Numerous details in the design of the body are based on the know-how BMW has gained in Motorsport, a number of body elements serving as air deflectors and guide vanes. Designed as ducts, for example, the A-pillars serve to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear lights with their wing profile. The floor of the car is fully covered from front to rear and from one side to the other, thus maintaining a smooth surface to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel consumption. Slender openings around the front air dam guide the air flowing specifically into two closed ducts leading inside the front air dam to the wheel arches where the air comes out again through a very slim aperture at high speed, flowing just next to the outer wheel flanks. This air jet rests on the front wheels like a curtain and is therefore referred to most appropriately as the "air curtain." It provides a highly stabilizing effect.

Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

To further optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the entire vehicle and keep rolling resistance to a minimum, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with tires and wheels of quite unusual size on a sports car. The tires measure 195/55, while large 21-inch wheels provide a contact surface on the road otherwise offered only by a much wider tire. In combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, this ensures agile driving behavior.

The extra-large wheel covers extending over part of the tire flanks add to the unique, very different look of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics from the side. The blade profile integrated in the wheels serves furthermore to reduce the negative effect of the turning wheels on the overall aerodynamics of the car. In all, these features optimizing the aerodynamic qualities of the car give the BMW Vision

EfficientDynamics concept car a very low drag factor (CX) of just 0.22.

Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
In both exterior and interior design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics stands out clearly as a strong spearhead in technology. Many components of the vehicle are presented in full view expressing the "transparent" character of the car as a powerful visual feature of lightweight technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are made completely of aluminum; the roof and the outer skin on the doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.

Measuring 181.1" in length, 74.8" in width and 48.8" in height, this unique concept car offers ample space for up to four passengers and their luggage. Thanks to the consistent lightweight construction strategy applied on the car, curb weight is 3,076 lb, with the center of gravity remaining very low. In its power-to-weight ratio, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is far superior to all other hybrid cars, achieving the same standard as extremely dynamic sports cars with a conventional combustion engine.

Carrying a maximum payload of 981 lb, this unique 2+2-seater is fully suited for everyday traffic. Luggage capacity of 5.3 cu ft, in turn, allows the driver and passengers to conveniently take along two golf bags. And to meet additional loading requirements the backrests of the two rear seats may be tilted down individually to provide extra storage space.

Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
Reflecting the innovative drive concept of this unique car, the design of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics likewise takes a new approach in combining functional progress with a most powerful emotional impact.

This has been achieved through the close cooperation of BMW's Design and Technical Development Divisions starting at an early point and continuing consistently throughout the entire development process. The result is a brand-new vehicle architecture with the drive components as well as the body and interior elements perfectly coordinated and matched to one another with maximum flexibility and individual style.

A fully integrated design philosophy also provided new options in using harmonized design principles connecting the exterior and the interior and providing an interacting effect between the two areas.

Sculptural design language giving BMW Vision EfficientDynamics a fully harmonized, complete look ensures the proportions typical of a BMW sports car. The front, side, rear and roof areas, for example, flow smoothly into one another. Dynamically contoured surfaces and shapes, in turn, create highly attractive light and shade effects accentuating the light and sporting character of the car in an emotional manner.

Layering technology developed by the BMW Group Design Division acts as the fundamental guideline in designing the exterior and interior. Applied for the first time in exterior design, this technology layers one surface on top of the other, creating very smooth seams and joints to reduce the number of components and, accordingly, the weight of the car. As a result, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics meets the most demanding aerodynamic requirements without using any additional body elements, simply through the structure of the surfaces optimized for a smooth flow of air.

Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.

In the design of the interior, innovative layering technology provides an unprecedented symbiosis of function and stylish shapes intentionally reduced to a minimum, consistently implementing and visualizing the lightweight principle also inside the car.

Specific components such as the central air vent not only serving to enhance motoring comfort but also acting as part of the cockpit, perform several functions in one. This multi-functionality is then presented visibly within the car, the use of particularly sophisticated materials providing a highly attractive combination of innovation in technology and quality clear to the eye and the touch of the surface.
This interaction of lightweight construction and individual well-being also comes out clearly in the design of the controls and switches, with a leather band, for example, running round the aluminum gear selector lever on the center console.

Materials combining lightweight technology and all the qualities required are also to be admired all round the cockpit of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, giving the car an unusually generous feeling of space for a 2+2-seater. The body-contoured seats, for example, are made up of a kevlar shell, a backbone structure, and seat padding with personalized fillings. Clearly, this combination alone ensures comfort at a minimum weight. The driver's and front passenger's seats are connected firmly to the center console to form a joint interior "landscape", while the rear seats anchored on the floor would appear to be hovering in space. Natural materials and light colors on the seat upholstery and all interior linings underline the light, sophisticated and sustainability-oriented atmosphere within the passenger compartment.

The instrument panel is deliberately padded only where technical components have to be appropriately covered, thus making an important contribution to passenger safety in the event of a collision. The instrument cluster played a fundamental role right from the start in the design process, serving as the starting point for all surfaces within the interior and thus creating a particularly powerful rendition of that driver orientation typical of BMW.

Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.

LED lights at both the front and rear end of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics provide an innovative combination of the symbols typical of the brand and clear design language oriented towards trendsetting technology. The distinctive look of the dual round headlights characteristic of a BMW is emphasized in particular by the use of LED technology. The rear lights are integrated also in their function into the design of the entire rear section, forming part of the rear air deflector and thus merging completely into the rear contour.

Extremely flat and compact, the rear lights are made up of innovative LED units forming a smooth and consistent red surface when not in use. Only when used do the respective light chambers take on the appropriate color such as yellow on the direction indicators. This innovative light technology also provides an intense symbiosis of the exterior and interior, again promoting and further refining the driving experience.

This is also why the ambient illumination of the interior comes with new features and qualities, the light sources within the passenger compartment being fed from the positioning lights at the side, the rear lights and the brake lights, thus changing the atmosphere created by the lights within the car as a function of driving conditions.

The optical impression conveyed by BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also results in other areas from the symbiosis of the exterior and interior, eliminating the conventional barriers between the two. The lines within the interior, for example, continue on to the innovative design of the engine compartment lid, while in its shape the third brake light positioned higher up on the car follows the structure of the glass roof and tapers to the outside where the roofline moves down gently to the rear.

Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.

The doors on BMW Vision EfficientDynamics open up like bird's wings, turning on pivots in the front roof column at the level of the side direction indicators. Since the car has no B-pillars, the large door cutouts ensure convenient entry also to the rear seats. The pivots on the doors also provide the base for the exterior mirrors, thus forming an ideal combination of function and aesthetic design. The structure of the doors is also characterized by several layers of materials on top of one another and the optical and functional symbiosis of the interior and exterior this technology is able to offer. Made up of three layers, the overall structure comprises the outer glass surface, an interim load-bearing layer, and the interior cover with its particularly smooth shapes and fl owing forms clearly visible to the passengers, layering technology again, therefore, opening up new perspectives.

The large glass surfaces extending far down on the body also provide a strong optical impression of the low seating position close to the road. And at the same time a stable sidebar ensures the body stiffness and crash safety naturally required on every vehicle. Flowing to the inside at its central point, this safety element also serves as an armrest. This interplay of the three layers also helping to minimize the weight of the car continues on the trim bar running along the door and extending out of the armrest, finally flowing into the outer door opener on its path from inside to outside.

Clear focus on the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.

Layering technology is also used on the displays in the instrument cluster and in the Head-Up Display developed to an even higher standard on BMW's new concept car. The Display now creates a powerful impression of three dimensions, at the same time providing the option to present various signals more in the front or more in the background, depending on their relevance and current driving conditions.

The Head-Up Display projects information important to the driver on to the windscreen. Indeed, innovative presentation technology even allows the superimposed presentation of several views in three dimensions, keeping, the gauge graphics visible in the background while the latest information on route guidance or warning signals from BMW Night Vision, for example, are shown in the foreground.

The sequence in which such signals appear depends on the driving mode chosen by the driver, the display technology, again depending on the driver's personal preference, enhancing a particularly sporting, a more comfort oriented, or an efficiency-based style of motoring. Through its design alone, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly shows that highly efficient individual mobility may by all means be presented in emotional style. BMW already offers models in all vehicle segments which, compared with the competition, ensure the lowest level of fuel consumption and emissions combined with superior power and performance.

And now BMW Vision EfficientDynamics confirms BMW's commitment to offer a perfect combination in future of unique driving pleasure and optimum qualities in the responsible use of natural resources.

In the design process the need for sustainable management is borne out most clearly by the GINA (Geometry and Functions in N-fold Augmentation) concept developed by the BMW Group. In this case maximum creative freedom sets the foundation for innovative solutions challenging the conventional and meeting the requirements of the future. This makes the GINA principle particularly well-suited for developing visions for the future reflecting both the wish for emotional style and individual character as well as the quest for sustainable management and efficiency. From the dimensions of its wheels through the design of the rear lights and all the way to the configuration of the cockpit, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics therefore boasts a number of details both outside and inside which, going far beyond conventional solutions, open up a new approach to maximum efficiency and that Dynamic ability typical of BMW.
Forward-looking energy management adjusting to individual requirements.

With the individual system components on board BMW Vision EfficientDynamics being networked with one another, conditions are perfect for implementing a forward-looking system of energy management using information gathered by the sensors of the driver assistance units fitted in the car. Data provided, for example, by the rain sensor or Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function as well as by the navigation system, and subsequently evaluated by the central control unit, offers an overview of current and upcoming driving conditions. Then, evaluating such data, the on-board computer is able to forecast driving conditions on the stretch of road immediately ahead, such calculations serving to prepare the car for upcoming requirements and make efficient use of the energy available through optimum operation of all systems.

Should the high-performance central computer establish, for example, that the driver is about to take the motorway, the power used for running the cooling system is reduced for a certain period in advance, on the assumption that the short increase in coolant temperature resulting from such an energy-saving measure will quickly be set off by the higher speed of the car on the motorway. Another example of such pre-conditioning is the regeneration of energy from the air conditioning, from Electronic Power Steering and the Brake Assistant.

Renault generated quite a buzz at the opening of this year’s Frankfurt motor show, with the unveiling of an unprecedented four electric vehicle concepts, as well as releasing further details on the future infrastructure and technology behind them.
All Renault’s concept cars on show in Germany preview its electric vehicle range which will be released from 2011 and cater for a wide variety of different customers and uses.

In summary, the Renault electric vehicle highlights for the show are:

 - Twizy Z.E. Concept: Pearle white ultra-compact and nimble 1+1 zero-emission city car, with 15kW motor (20hp) and footprint barely larger than a scooter (2.3m long, 1.13m wide and turning circle of 3m). It has a top speed of 47mph, with acceleration comparable to 125cc motorbike

 - Zoe Z.E. Concept: compact, four-seat supermini for short daily journeys in urban areas. Scissor doors at the front and butterfly doors at the rear, with polyurethane gel for front and rear of car to underline its hi-tech feel and protect components against minor knocks in town. Features 70kW motor for 100 mile range, 21” alloy wheels and retractable rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Comes complete with personalized avatar for driving information, mood lighting and futuristic 'hydrate, detox and active scent' climate control

 - Fluence Z.E. Concept: electric version of all-new, elegant five-seat Fluence saloon with range of 100 miles for family driving, ahead of production for Israeli market with Project Better Place. Boasts low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres and Samsung Jet phones

 - Kangoo Z.E. Concept: previews electric van for fleet and commercial use with 70kW electric motor, solar roof panels and even a heated steering wheel

 - ‘Quickdrop’: three distinct vehicle charging methods, of which this is one. Rapid exchange stations replace batteries within three minutes

In line with the values championed by the Renault brand, its electric vehicles will offer customers a spacious interior, comfort, quality and safety. They will also feature a distinctive design signature.

Electric vehicles represent the clean-break solution which can put zero-emission mobility within everyone's reach. In line with the brand's Renault eco² environmental policy, Renault Z.E. electric vehicles are poised to be marketed on a large scale to take a decisive stand on the environment.

Renault begins marketing affordable production electric vehicles in 2011, with the Renault-Nissan Alliance targeting number one status mass-market zero-emission vehicle sales.



Twizy Z.E. Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four-wheel chassis, it offers the driver and passenger, seated in tandem, an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions. Compact, nimble and practical, it offers everything needed to cope with city traffic.

Wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first-class protection for both driver and passenger. Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making Twizy Z.E. Concept versatile and easy to drive. Acceleration in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.



The second showcar, Zoe Z.E. Concept, is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Its special roof optimises the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customised. Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground thanks to its 'hydrating', 'detox' and 'active scent' functions which combine to enhance travel. Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile car for daily use, which represents a new form of transport thanks to the option of three battery-charging techniques.

The third all-new´concept at Frankfurt, Fluence Z.E. Concept, is a statement of Renault's intent to produce a range of zero-emission vehicles that meets the needs of all types of motorists. A genuine four-door family car with attractive styling, comfort and space, it proves that such features can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.




Fluence Z.E. Concept is an all-electric car with a range of 100 miles. The battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) which takes the form of the exclusive 'Quickdrop' rapid battery exchange system. The saloon concept previews the forthcoming electric version of Fluence and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.



Kangoo Z.E. Concept is based on the Kangoo and brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user. Powered by a 70kW electric motor, delivering 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery, its energy consumption is minimized thanks not only to the careful attention that has been paid to its overall design, but also to energy optimization, without impacting the high standard of comfort. Kangoo Z.E. Concept's many information functions make it a particularly user-friendly, efficient and interactive vehicle.

In addition to the four concept cars on show, Renault also chose Frankfurt to unveil its exclusive 'Quickdrop' battery exchange system, as well as further details on the two other battery power solutions.

There will be three options to re-fuel Renault’s zero-emission vehicles:

 - Standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.

 - Quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.

 - 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

Range optimisation is the greatest challenge for electric vehicles. This is why Renault is working hard to make the process as simple and efficient as possible by planning for all types of charging needs and methods.

Driven by factors such as volatile oil prices, energy independence goals of many countries, and global warming concerns, the North American passenger electric vehicle (EV) market has taken a quantum leap forward. The price of oil expects to be relatively high over a longer term, boosting the value proposition of hybrid and electric vehicles, and driving their uptake. These new dynamics have revived consumer and vehicle manufacturer interest in electric vehicles, revving up growth in the EV market and ensuring its emergence as a mass market in the foreseeable future. The unstable geopolitical situation also encourages the active pursuit of energy independence.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of North American Passenger Electric Vehicle Market, expects the total EV market to show a favorable growth due to a host of new technological advancements.

"Compliance with federal regulations and corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards remains one of the most challenging issues the automotive market faces," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Niranjan Manohar. "Governments worldwide are progressively tightening emission and fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles. U.S. federal regulations too require vehicle makers to meet CAFE standards."

With governments at the federal and state levels providing subsidies and incentives to manufacturers and consumers for the manufacture and purchase of alternate fuel and pure electric vehicles in pursuit of their clean environment goals, automakers are considering design changes and a shift toward alternate fuel technologies. This is enabled by strategic business models leveraging cost effective sourcing and manufacturing technologies.

"As the automotive industry advances towards alternate fuel vehicle solutions, the need for fuel-efficient and cost-effective technologies is on the upswing," says Niranjan. "Automakers are trying to differentiate their vehicles based on the technologies offered, and suppliers see this as an opportunity to penetrate this volume-driven vehicle market."

The market has to be self sustaining and incentives have to be offset by cost reductions. The cost price reduction is expected to come from batteries.
Proven technological developments in Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries are giving shape to the goal of an affordable and capable electric vehicle. The performance attributes of Li-ion technology make it the ideal energy solution available currently. However, the technology is in the fledgling stage and costs are high. At current prices, the battery accounts for about a third of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) cost.

Although the battery prices expect to decline as volumes increase and technology matures, the current high price is the biggest bottleneck for the electric propulsion systems market. Charging infrastructure remains vital for the adoption of EVs. Typically, the full-charge of City Electric Vehicles is approximately 6 hours, to offer 100 miles.

"Access to charging stations, range-anxiety, and long charging time are seen as major restraints to the development of a viable electric vehicle market," observes Niranjan. "Strategic alliances, including joint ventures between utility companies, automakers, and cities to develop a charging infrastructure that supports the electric vehicle market is crucial."

Another matter of concern is that Li-ion batteries are inherently prone to exploding in the event of a thermal run out. A major safety incident could damage a manufacturers brand and dent consumer acceptance. These issues have raised concerns over consumer acceptance of EVs. Hence, participants in this space must scale up productivity and enhance safety, reliability, and robustness in all battery systems.

Alla Halle 6 del Salone di Francoforte va in scena il matrimonio tra il Lingotto e gli americani. Il grande padiglione raccoglie Fiat, Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Abarth e ora anche Dodge, Chrysler e Jeep. Curioso scorgere tra le grandi ruote di una offroad il marchio del Biscione a pochi metri, oppure la sagoma del Voyager che si staglia sullo sfondo bucolico dello stand Fiat, completamente ispirato ai desideri dei bambini. Così spuntano alberi colorati, barchette di carta, giochi d'annata come il meccano e altri richiami alla fanciullezza spensierata. Per l'allestimento degli spazi la regia è stata unica ed è stata curata da Torino. Solamente due anni fa la Chrysler si separava da Daimler, dopo un'alleanza avviata nel 1998. Ma sono tanti i segnali dai quali si capisce come la crisi finanziaria abbia cambiato gli assetti nel mondo dell'automobile. Rispetto al passato quest'edizione di Francoforte appare molto meno sfarzosa, ma non per questo meno interessante, data la quantità di anteprime mondiali.
(Fonte: www.quattroruote.it - 15/9/2009)

After the official launch of the MiEV on the Japanese market in July this year, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has taken orders for the entire 1400 cars scheduled for production in fiscal 2009.

First sales were for corporations and government organizations but Mitsubishi plans to start selling the MiEV to consumers from April 2010. Taking orders through its dealer network, they received 900 pre orders in only one month.

Mitsubishi has already started deliveries of the MiEV with 387 i-MiEV new owners having taken delivery.