nanoFlowcell Quantino – an electrolyte, low-voltage EV

Sitting next to the Quant F in Geneva, is the redesigned nanoFlowcell Quantino, which sits under the company’s Quant range. While the Quantino may be quite a sleek-looking electric vehicle, it’s the flow cell technology that supplies power to the electric motors, that’s truly noteworthy.

To elaborate, the nanoFlowcell is unlike a lithium-ion battery or lead-acid cell, which stores direct current – it’s an electrolyte-fuelled flow cell vehicle, in that it stores liquid electrolytes instead to generate electricity (like a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle). The fluid is said to be non-flammable, non-toxic, produces zero emissions and inexpensive.

Fuelling (or charging) up the car is similar to a petrol-driven vehicle, but the electrolyte liquids are stored in two separate tanks. One has a positive charge, while the other has a negative charge. A special membrane is used to divide each other from mixing. From this, an ion exchange takes place, which then sees the generation of an electric current.

Receiving all that electrolyte-generated current are four electric motors. In total, the motors are able to produce 108 hp and 200 Nm of torque. According to the company, it will do 0-100 km/h in under five seconds and will hit a top speed of over 200 km/h. NanoFlowcell claims that the Quantino can do over 1,000 km on one full tank (159 litres) of electrolyte liquid.

Meanwhile, the Quantino also possesses a 48V low-voltage system which translates to a number of benefits. Some of these include the very long travel range and impressive propulsion, as mentioned. Additionally, high-voltage systems in electric vehicles, require protection against contact and flash shock. This, however, is unnecessary for low-voltage systems.

As for the design of the Quantino, it has a “flow” silhoutte that “expresses the flow cell technology.” At the front, the vehicle sports full-LED headlamps, a low-slung bumper and an illuminated Quantino logo at the doors to indicate its all-electric drive. The drag-optimised body is said to generate very little wind noise too. Lending to its muscular stance, are a set of 20-inch wheels.

Also, the Quantino has a low centre of gravity and with the electrolyte tanks placed at the centre of the vehicle, the balanced axle-load distribution allows for agile handling. Moreover, as there are no hot gasses emitted from the vehicle, the underbody is covered with cladding to further reduce any form of drag.

Inside, the Quantino sports sensorFlow technology, similar to the Quant F – capacitive switches in the centre console. Furthermore, the noise absorbing and insulating materials are also said to contribute exceptionally to a quiet drive, as the drive unit does not generate any sound.

The Quantino, which is making its second debut in Geneva, is in its “near standard” configuration. NanoFlowcell says that it’s considering to produce the Quantino in a small batch following a feasibility study, to be carried out this year. This will provide the basis for the final decision.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.