| Make
|
Peugeot |
| Model |
EX1 |
| Concept
year |
2010 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
electric
motor |
The Peugeot EX1 concept is a 100 percent electric-powered
concept car. The vehicle was introduced at the Paris Motor
Show in 2010.
The sporty Peugeot EX1 has already broken several world
records for acceleration from a standing start. It owes
its startling performance to its streamlined aerodynamics,
its ultra-light structure and its two electric motors.
Unlike many electric vehicles which sacrifice performance
for range, the Peugeot EX1 is all about speed - as its
340 hp, and four-wheel drive setup prove.
The Peugeot EX1 concept was created as part of the company's
celebrations for their 200th anniversary. Obviously such
a long history requires an unusual vehicle to do it justice,
and the EX1 is just about odd enough to qualify.
To this end, Peugeot's engineers and designers explored
the company's history to find the most radical technical
solutions to use as a basis to produce a futuristic performance
car dedicated entirely to creating new driving sensations
yet at the same time presenting responsible environmental
credentials. The original architecture is reminiscent
of previous concept cars, like the Asphalte and 20Cup.
Design
The unusual styling of the two-seat Peugeot EX1 roadster
is in keeping with its mechanical design, like a kind
of "exoskeleton" highlighting the light-weight
nature that guided the car's creation.
The design of the body incorporates Peugeot's new stylistic
design codes, first seen on the SR1
concept car earlier this year, with its "floating"
front grille and flowing contours. Polished aluminium
components adorn the door surrounds in a reference to
the RCZ and
BB1.
Far from being a “classic” roadster, the EX1 concept car
is based on an architecture shaped like a “water droplet”,
with a rear section built around two closely set rear
wheels.
Based on the experience gained from creating the 1996
Asphalte concept car
and the two 20Cup models
from 2005. The chosen architecture of the EX1 has enabled
the size of the passenger compartment to be reduced for
optimal weight distribution and ensure that there is no
extra weight at all in the overhangs.
The suspension employs a number of technical solutions
that ensure road holding of a very high level. The front
suspension consists of a drop link double wishbone arrangement.
The rear suspension comprises of a single “swinging arm”
linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is
connected via a rocker arm to provide a variable damping
rate.
The monocoque body structure is manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb
composite to optimize weight and rigidity. It also incorporates
all of the mounting points for the car’s mechanical components.
Finally, the dimensions of the car (0.90 m high with a
width of 1.77 m) contribute to overall efficiency, a lowering
of the centre of gravity and improved aerodynamics.
Drivetrain
The electric motor is a potential source of new driving
sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities,
but also because it is silent in operation and makes the
car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox).
On the Peugeot EX1 concept car, two electric motors are
used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125
kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available
constant maximum torque
of 240 Nm at the front and rear. This mechanical architecture
allows not only the optimization of weight distribution,
but also four wheel drive.
Interior
The driver and passenger climb into the passenger compartment
through a reverse-opening door, giving access to the two
sports bucket seats. This unusual arrangement instantly
immerses the occupants in a futuristic and sophisticated
environment, as does the onboard instrumentation (instrument
panel screens for each occupant showing in particular
the vehicle’s instantaneous performance) and the chosen
materials (e.g. “pure” metals and embossed leather).
The driver, seated at floor level in a driving position
that helps enhances the sense of excitement (legs outstretched),
drives the vehicle with two control handles, providing
an experience similar to that of an aircraft pilot or
video game.
As well as the presence of harnesses inside the car, the
occupants are also protected by the height of the carbon
passenger cell, which has sufficient overhead clearance
to include a roll-over protection bar.
Record Breaker
The EX1 concept car benefits from characteristics that
give it a high enough level of performance not only to
leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory
of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration
records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics,
the torque and power of its two electric motors and its
high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics
that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration:
the latter can exceed 1 G of gravitational force.
Similar and related vehicles:
Peugeot SR1
Peugeot BB1
Peugeot 20Cup
Peugeot Asphalte
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