80th Geneva International Motorshow


Lotus Engineering is showcasing our new Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid demonstrator and an advanced hybrid drivetrain for the Proton Emas.



Proton Emas Drivetrain

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use.

For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors.

The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Technical Details

Range Extender Engine
The three-cylinder 1.2 litre Range Extender engine is optimised between two power generation points, giving 15 kW of electrical power at 1,500 rpm and 35 kW at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator. Its low mass of 56 kg and compact package makes it ideal for the series hybrid drivetrain in the Proton Concept.

Battery Pack

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of 11.5 kWH Lithium Polymer batteries with over 100 kW discharge capability. It includes fusing, power distribution and high voltage interlock safety system hardware.

Generator
The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for battery pack charge maintenance and vehicle range extension. The generator is also used as a motor for range extender engine starting. It has a power of 41 kW 280-420 VDC generator and starter motor for the range extender engine.

High Voltage Inverter – Generator   
The high voltage inverter converts and controls the three phase voltage from the generator to DC voltage to charge the battery and run the traction motor.

Traction Motor
The traction motor provides 75 kW peak and 45 kW continuous power with a 280-420 VDC motor. The motor converts electrical energy to provide mechanical energy to the driven wheels through the transmission.

High Voltage Inverter – Traction Motor
The high voltage inverter traction motor converts DC voltage to three phase voltage.

Gearbox/Transmission
The Proton Concept uses a single-speed transmission with an integrated differential.

High Voltage Charger
The high voltage charger converts AC mains power to high voltage DC to charge the battery pack. It produces 3.3 kW, with 90-265V AC single phase with CAN control.
 
DC-DC Converter
The DC-DC Converter maintains charge in the 12V vehicle battery by taking power from the high voltage battery pack. It is the electric vehicle equivalent of the alternator and converts 1.5 kW of power from 420V to 13.8V.

Vehicle Controller
The vehicle controller is a microprocessor that controls the throttle, torque, power and energy management and is the same T6e engine management software as used on the Lotus Evora. 

 

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this is the latest environmentally focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering.  The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture(VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design.

 

Key Features:

(1)    0-60 mph/97 kph in under 4 second

(2)    Total hybrid range of over 300 miles/483 kilometres

(3)    Eco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic 7 speed paddle shift with energy recuperation

(4)    HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis

(5)    Torque vectoring for improved dynamic stability

(6)    Integrated glass roof and engine cover and interior concept from Lotus Design

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid structure is the same award-winning, versatile vehicle architecture used on the Lotus Evora. The low volume architecture was designed with the upmost flexibility in mind.

Lotus Engineering has developed a highly efficient, high performance drivetrain system consisting of twin motors each limited to providing 152 kW (207 PS/204 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295 lbft) of torque to each wheel via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions integrated into a single housing, enabling torque vectoring dynamic control of the vehicle (the capacity to generate different torques at each of the driving wheels), this is particularly suited to electric vehicles and significantly reduces the conflict between stability and response.

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry providing 17 kWH energy storage capacity. The battery pack is optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, with over 100 kW discharge capability.   For everyday commuting journeys, up to 35 miles can be travelled using battery power. The battery can be charged overnight using a conventional domestic mains supply through a socket concealed by the rear number plate. This permits the vehicle to operate with zero tailpipe emissions. For longer journeys, exceeding the battery capacity, the highly efficient Lotus Range Extender engine is used as a generator to supply the motor with electrical power and top up the battery.

The Evora 414E Hybrid provides less of a psychological step change for people familiar with high performance cars compared to other electric and hybrid sports cars.  The car has a simulated paddle shift gear change offering ultra quick gear changes reminiscent of a dual clutch transmission, while actually single speed.  This enhances the driver interaction with the vehicle and provides a driving experience similar to current internal combustion engine high performance sports cars. The Evora 414E Hybrid uses a column mounted paddle shift to simulate the gear change and a synthesised engine sound changes frequency with virtual gear selection. The drive torque is also modulated to simulate a physical feeling of a gearshift jolt. The virtual gearshift simulation, like a conventional gearbox, is used to change the driving characteristics and response of the vehicle.

The addition of this Lotus patented simulated gearshift concept not only provides for an exciting and involving driving experience that customers would expect from a Lotus, but also enhances the driver’s control of the vehicle while providing the capability for more efficient operation through a greater use of energy regeneration.

The distinctive colour scheme and ‘floating’ roof have been carefully designed to accent the cars electric vehicle technology whilst complementing the iconic lines of the Evora. Copper, a colour often associated with electrical systems, has been chosen for the car’s exterior and interior.   A contemporary satin finish paint is complemented by electrical circuit inspired graphics that highlight the car’s key feature lines and the unique glazed roof panel.  The newly extended glazed zone integrates seamlessly with the existing forms of the Evora whilst showcasing the key components behind the hybrid and electric vehicle technology.   The signature copper theme is consistently carried throughout the car from the dramatic seat stripes and instrument panel inserts to the copper callipers that nestle behind the carbon grey forged wheels. Inside the cabin a sense of quality and richness has been created by carefully juxtaposing the different tactile qualities intrinsic to leather, Alcantara and metal.

Through all of these aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance niche vehicles.

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