Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has revealed some of the new and innovative low and zero emission powertrain technologies it is researching at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event. These three “Concept_e” research vehicles feature a high performance, modular electric drive module (eDM) developed in-house by JLR.
Claimed to be capable of producing twice the power and torque of any electric motor-generator in production today, eDM can be inserted between any engine and transmission to create a mild hybrid (MHEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or used alone for a full battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV).
This powertrain research programme began in 2013, and the two-year £16.3 million (RM109 million) research project is part-funded by UK’s innovation agency Innovate UK and 12 UK-based technology partners. The programme brought together leading engineers and technologists from academia, the supply chain and industry.
The Concept_e MHEV, based on a Range Rover Evoque, features a prototype diesel engine that produces 90 PS, a 48V electrical system and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. It includes a 15 kW (18 hp) crank integrated motor with disconnect clutch within a hybrid module that sits between the engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Concept_e PHEV, is based on a Range Rover Sport. It has a similar architecture to the MHEV but with a prototype 300 PS petrol engine mated to a longitudinally mounted eight-speed transmission. The electric motor is capable of up to 150 kW (201 hp) and also serves as a starter motor. It draws electrical energy from a 320-volt lithium-ion battery packaged in the boot. Full-time four-wheel drive is retained.
Meanwhile, the Concept_e BEV is a bespoke demonstrator based on JLR’s aluminium vehicle architecture. The underbody has been modified to mount the 70 kWh (94 hp) lithium-ion traction battery and electric axle drive units. The front drive unit has a single speed transmission connected to an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor, while the rear drive unit is connected to a 145 kW (194 hp) electric motor.
“This is a long-term Jaguar Land Rover research project exploring all aspects of future hybrid and battery electric vehicle technology. The three Concept_e vehicles will allow us to test and develop exciting new potential technologies that could form part of our low and zero emissions vision beyond 2020,” said Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology at JLR.
The ex-Proton man added that environmental innovation is at the heart of JLR’s business, and innovations like the Ingenium engine family and lighter vehicles have helped the company reduce the fleet’s CO2 average by 25% in recent years.
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Comes to malaysia – 400k. Congrats JLR. And of course, our beloved PM