The Dynamics and Control group of the Eindhoven University of Technology has developed a battery electric research vehicle based on a Volkswagen Lupo.
The vehicle was formally launched this week and combines a low weight of 1,060kg with a large battery pack at 27kWh. It offers range increases between 30 and 50 per cent compared to existing electric vehicles with four seats that are currently on the market.
It has a top speed of 81mph and accelerates from 0-62mph in 12 seconds.
In addition, it comes with Thundersky batteries using a lithium-iron phosphate chemistry with a comparatively low cost of less than €300/kWh. It is approved by the Dutch roadworthiness authorities and is allowed to drive on the public road.
The VW Lupo electric research vehicles had been developed to monitor batteries, energy consumption, powertrain and vehicle dynamics. Other research projects include: vehicle performance analysis, range estimation, battery sizing, efficient heating of the vehicle interior, component testing and modelling, analysis of regenerative braking, full vehicle modelling, investigation of in-wheel motors, electric power steering, vehicle control software and development of a user interface to inform the driver of vehicle status.
