Engineering news
Car giant Jaguar Land Rover will lead a research project which aims to develop new hybrid and battery-electric vehicle technologies based on the the Range Rover Evoque platform.
The £16.3 million Evoque_e project, supported by the Technology Strategy Board, will encourage collaboration between industry, suppliers and leading universities in the UK.
JLR will contribute £4 million to the project, and lead a consortium of 12 partners – eight from industry and three universities.
Starting in October 2013, the collaboration will design, develop and build three research vehicles showcasing state-of-the-art, next-generation powertrain concepts for a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV), a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
Peter Richings, director of hybrids and electrification at JLR, said: “The aim of the project is to develop technology platforms which are configurable and compatible within the architecture of an existing production vehicle. The modular technologies include single and multi-speed axle drives, modular battery packs and integrated power electronics, multi-machine, advanced control development and torque vectoring.
“The research teams will look at how the speed of the electric motor can be increased, to reduce its size, weight and cost while enhancing performance and durability. We will also look at the use of alternative materials to both reduce the use of rare earth materials and for systems optimisation.
“The outcome of the Evoque_e project will be new technologies with the potential for high volume production that are capable of delivering benchmark performance in terms of cost, weight and sustainable use of materials.”
Antony Harper, head of research at JLR, added: “We are keenly aware that not all the clever people work for us and our collaborative research programmes harness the best of UK engineering innovation, to develop new and exciting technologies.
“Technology Strategy Board funding allows us to multiply the effect of our investment and nurture UK-based technology investment, in supporting our work to address future needs, wants and legislation around the world.”
The project partners include: Zytek Automotive, GKN Driveline, Motor Design Limited, AVL, Drive System Design, Williams Advanced Engineering, Delta Motorsport, Tata Steel, Bristol University, Cranfield University and Newcastle University.