An innovative battery system created by WAE was unveiled today as part of the official reveal of some of Jaguar Land Rover’s new low and zero emission powertrain technologies at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event.
Three Concept_e research demonstrators were displayed by Jaguar Land Rover, including an electric Range Rover Evoque that has a WAE manufactured battery as an integral component of its powertrain. This “Evoque-E” is a bespoke research demonstrator based on Jaguar Land Rover’s aluminium vehicle architecture. The underbody has been modified to mount the 70 kWh HV lithium ion traction battery and electric axle drive (EAD) units. The front drive unit features a single speed transmission coupled with an 85 kW electric motor. The rear drive unit features a twin speed transmission coupled with a 145 kW electric motor.
Williams has a strong pedigree in developing lithium ion battery technology for automotive and motorsport use. This includes the design and manufacture of the batteries that power the cars in Formula E, and the creation of the electric powertrain behind the Jaguar C-X75 hybrid supercar. The scope of this project was to manage material logistics and build and test one pack for the Evoque_E vehicle. WAE has subsequently created detail processes for the future productionisation of this technology, including detailed work instructions to ensure overall quality and consistency of a build and the ability for future products to be cell agnostic.
The Concept_e technologies are the output of an advanced powertrain research programme for state-of-the-art, next-generation hybrid and battery-electric powertrain technologies which began in 2013. Led by Jaguar Land Rover, this two year £16.3m research project is part-funded by Innovate UK and involves 12 UK technology partners that include WAE. The project has brought together leading engineers and technologists from academia, the supply chain and industry to create a number of unique and innovative solutions.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The project is helping to develop the UK’s skills and capabilities in alternative powertrains. We are serious about helping the UK become a world-wide leader in powertrain technologies. Collaborative research programmes like this allow us to multiply the effect of our own R&D investment and nurture the UK’s technology supply chain. This approach is helping to develop the skills and technologies that will make the UK even more competitive in the future.”
