| Make
|
Lotus
(diseno-art designed) |
| Model |
Electrive |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
twin
electric motors |
|
The Electrive has three driving modes,
Sport, Normal and Economy |
 |
|
The Lotus Electrive is an electric powered sports car
concept designed in-house by Diseno-art.com.
The Electrive has not been designed as a practical everyday
vehicle used for doing the weekly shopping. Instead it
has been tailored to suit fair-weather weekend drives
and trackday use.
Chassis
The construction of the Lotus Electrive consists of a
tubular aluminium spaceframe covered with a GRP body.
At the rear is a carbon fibre pod which conceals the electric
motors, and rear suspension components. The suspension
system is fully adjustable for compression and rebound
so the car can be setup to suit the drivers preferences
and the road conditions. The high mounted spare wheel
(which is securely bolted to the frame when attached)
acts as rollover protection for the occupants.
While the storage and cargo capabilities of the Electrive
are obviously limited, there is additional space for items
in the two pods located on either side of the body. These
lockable drawers slide out from under the car and can
hold items too large to fit in the glove box.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Electrive is powered by a fully electric drivetrain.
Mounted up front is a set of rechargeable Lithium-Polymer
batteries. The batteries can either be charged by plugging
the vehicle into a standard mains electricity socket.
Alternatively solar panels can be carried in the side
pods for charging up the vehicle anywhere - although this
method would take considerably longer.
Two electric motors are located in the rear carbon fibre
section, one for each rear wheel. These motors can be
accessed through a hatch underneath the spare wheel. They
can be replaced quickly and easily to allow for varying
levels of performance and range.
During deceleration the electric motors act as generators
to return a small amount of power back into the batteries.
The electric drivetrain of the Electrive can be changed
between three different modes. Sport mode offers superior
performance at the cost of range. Standard mode creates
a balance between performance and range, and Eco mode
is used to get the maximum range out of the vehicle although
performance is noticeably reduced.
Thanks to the electric motors a conventional transmission
is unnecessary. Instead the 'gearstick' is used to select
between forward, neutral and reverse. To protect from
accidental switching between forward and reverse the shift
ball must be partially rotated before moving.
Styling
The exterior design of the Electrive is obviously influenced
by the stance and proportions of the Lotus Seven, but
with a distinctly more contemporary feel. The soft rounded
lines are designed to give the car a classic feel, but
the clean uncluttered bodywork is also modern in its appearance.
The front end is dominated by the large oval grille and
matching oval headlights. The grille itself is not technically
necessary due to the fact the car is electric powered
and a radiator is not necessary. However the mesh of the
grille does allow cooling air to flow into the battery
compartment which is located up front. The batteries themselves
can be accessed through the removable grille for maintenance,
repair or replacement.
Interior
Due to the fact that the Lotus Electrive is essentially
a car for sunny days there is little in the way of weather
protection. However the interior is fully waterproof and
the seats quickly wipe down if wet. Concealed in the armrest
is a custom fit tonneau cover which can be used to protect
the interior if the car is parked outside.
The dash of the Lotus Electrive features two separate
LCD panels. The one located behind the steering wheel
is solely for the driver and displays vital information
like speed, battery and motor temperature, and range.
This display also suggests the most appropriate driving
mode based on the recent driving style; Sport, Standard
or Eco. For example if the driver has the car in the Sport
setting but they are actually driving at a sedate or moderate
speed then the display panel will suggest the driver switches
to the Eco mode to conserve battery power. The drivers
LCD display changes color depending on the driving mode,
red for Sport, blue for Standard and green for Eco.
In the centre of the dash is a triple LCD gauge cluster
which provides information on the vehicles secondary functions
like radio, navigation and heater settings (the heater
uses hot air from the battery and motor compartment and
funnels it into lower portion of the cabin).
If you require more information on the Lotus Electrive
concept please contact us at:
inquiries [at] diseno-art.com
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