Why electric power ?
Pollution – CO2, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulates eliminated with no smell from the car in urban environments making it more acceptable to drive a classic icon. There is also no noise pollution.
Improved performance & drivability – EV motors deliver maximum torque from a standstill – no modulating or slipping the clutch for a quick getaway and it behaves like an auto without the gear change, making it easy and relaxing to drive on the road with spirit and if so desired.
Reliability and cost of ownership – maintenance is much simpler without the engine and the systems like fuel and ignition whilst the robustness of the electrical components leads to fantastic reliability. The motor is much more efficient than an internal combustion engine and cheaper electrical energy costs reduces the cost per mile by 80% vs the petrol engine.
Technology – allows access to cool features like performance or economy modes, one pedal driving, throttle pedal maps tuned to drivers preference, different modes for weather conditions, enhanced driver information through the electronic display.......so many possibilities......
The graphs tell the performance story of the electric powertrain vs the current 4.2 litre installation. Whilst performance is enhanced, there is not such a vast improvement that all other systems on the car will need an upgrade. Brakes, steering, & suspension all are perfectly balanced and create a perfect marriage with this new technology.
Electric motor torque curve is very different from the petrol giving 100% of maximum torque from a standstill. The electric motor peak torque is significantly higher and required to achieve similar acceleration rates at low road speed vs the gearing advantage that the petrol has in 1st gear.
Power Curve
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We have full programming capability to tune the 170kW motor to react as you wish.
For example, you can have a normal mode that reduces the outright performance for extended range.
You can unleash the power to deliver the ultimate performance in a power mode custom set to make the most of spirited driving.
We can also offer other drive modes such as economy mode or slippery mode where we tune the throttle pedal progression, motor characteristics to match the conditions.
Performance of the 170kW EV system beats the petrol powered car – 0-60mph will be sub 6 sec. Top speed on the electric will be around 120mph vs around 140mph for the petrol.
This performance can be controlled by our software and selectable drive modes allowing full performance when required or a more modest mode when out for a Sunday afternoon drive........ .
Time Versus Speed Comparison.
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Availability of acceleration is improved with the electric installation. The electric motor will deliver a continuous 0.45G acceleration up to 50mph. If you were at 50mph, a full throttle acceleration would pull over 0.45G, with the petrol you would probably be in 3rd and pull 0.2G,
if you changed down to 2nd, you would pull 0.35G but waste time in the down-change.......this it where the electric conversion really shows its versatility and capability. Overall the theoretical acceleration capability of the petrol wins in first gear due to gearing, but in reality, clutch modulation and traction will be limiting factors in being to achieve this.
Performance Comparisons.
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The EV system weight is around 450kg offset by around 370kg of weight in the original engine, gearbox, engine installation components and the fuel tank. So weight increase is minimal over the standard road car.