Driveline project. Tanfield is part of a consortium that has secured £1.4m in matched funding towards the more efficient driveline project, under the UK Government’s Ultra Efficient Systems programme, administered by the Technology Strategy Board.

The investment will fund the development of three sub-systems and integrate them all into the Smith Edison, a pure electric version of the Ford Transit van produced in collaboration with Ford of Europe. However Tanfield believes there is substantial crossover potential for the auxiliary systems, into other electric cars, vans and trucks.

This is the first time any company has taken on the development of better auxiliary systems for electric vehicles. We are undertaking pioneering work that has the potential to deliver range-extending capabilities suited to all passenger and commercial electric vehicles.

—Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, owner of SEV

The primary objectives are to optimize drivetrain efficiency while also reducing parasitic losses and taking out weight. The core of the project is a new high-efficiency motor, coupled with a smart two-speed transmission and managed by a central vehicle systems controller.

The second phase will involve engineers developing the first auxiliary systems designed specifically for electric vehicles—until now, EV manufacturers have adopted solutions from internal combustion engine vehicles, which are less energy efficient, heavier and poorly packaged, Smith says. Smith’s new high voltage systems for air conditioning, power steering and heating will reduce drain on the traction batteries, thereby extending the vehicle’s range on a single charge.

The third element of the programme is to develop a smart central controller that co-ordinates all the vehicle’s systems.

Other members of the consortium include:

• Ricardo, a leading global engineering technology provider, with substantial engineering capabilities in power electronics and EV motors;
• TRW Conekt, the technology and engineering consultancy arm of TRW automotive;
• Tirius Ltd, a UK-based electrical and electronic vehicle engineering design consultancy, focused on high efficiency permanent magnet motor technology;
• University of Bristol, a leading UK university specializing in permanent magnet motor technology and transmission and controls research;
• Borg Warner (sub-contractor);
• Catem (program supplier), will provide the PTC technology to support the program execution;
• Valence Technology Inc (program supplier), will provide Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology.

Passenger vans. The zero emission Smith Ampere people carrier is an eight-seat passenger vehicle with a projected range of 100 miles (160 km) on a full battery charge and a top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h). Smith Electric Vehicles has produced commercial EVs for more than 80 years and is Ford’s official collaborator on commercial EVs in Europe and North America. The two companies launched the people carrier as the Tourneo Connect BEV Concept vehicle at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. (Earlier post.)

The vehicle features a 28 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a 50 kW permanent magnet motor. LCV2009 is the first opportunity for potential customers to experience the vehicle in motion, on the test track at Millbrook Proving Grounds.

Smith also unveiled a new, nine or 11-seat battery electric minibus, called the Speedster, which will go into service with a major London retailer. It has a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a range of 80-130 miles (129-209 km) on a full charge, depending on the size of the battery pack—Smith plans to offer a choice of 50, 60 or 70kWh battery packs. The minibus features a 90 kW motor.

Smith has developed an onboard fast-charging technology that will further extend the vehicle’s daily operating range to more than 200 miles (322 km) by enabling a full charge from flat in 3-4 hours for a full charge from flat. This also allows for opportune charging at fixed points on the route.

Working with new company Green Urban Transport, Smith has developed the unique executive minibus based on its Smith Edison electric van, which uses the Ford Transit chassis. Green Urban Transport will deploy the first prototype vehicle on trials with a number of companies, including offering a premium London commuting solution and a premium door-to-door shuttle service for customers of a major retailer in West London.

The Smith Ampere is a light van based on the Ford Transit Connect chassis and the Smith Edison is based on the Ford Transit chassis. Both are produced in collaboration with Ford of Europe.