Williams Advanced Engineering unveils lightweight electric car platform concept
06 September 2017
Williams Advanced Engineering is displaying an innovative lightweight EV platform concept, named the FW-EVX, at this year’s Low Carbon Vehicle Show, Millbrook, UK, 6-7 September. With the intent of maximizing vehicle efficiency, Williams Advanced Engineering reimagined how electric cars are designed and constructed. This new approach is designed to make EVs lighter, safer and greener, with longer range and better performance.
The concept features several innovations in battery pack design, cooling systems and lightweight structures, which have each been integrated into a single, scalable platform.
As one example, Williams’ engineers developed a highly automated, near zero waste process that is being implemented to create fibre-reinforced suspension components on the EV platform, providing up to 40% weight reduction over a conventional aluminium wishbone.
Another innovation being showcased is the process of forming high-strength 3D structures from 2D materials which, in this instance, has created an exoskeleton for a battery module that also contributes to the structural performance of the battery.
Developed by in-house specialists in aerodynamics, electric systems, advanced lightweight structures and vehicle integration, the concept highlights Williams Advanced Engineering’s expertise in accelerating ground-up innovations into demonstrable products available to its customers.
Vehicle efficiency has always been core to Williams – whether it be in Formula One or with Williams Advanced Engineering’s customer projects. These technologies, and our thinking around how to create a tightly integrated, light-weight chassis and powertrain package, have the potential to greatly increase the competitiveness of the next generation of electric vehicles. By making EVs more attractive to consumers, we can help accelerate their adoption and the air quality benefits they bring.
—Paul McNamara, Williams Advanced Engineering Technical Director
Looks like good work on the suspension.
Posted by: SJC | 06 September 2017 at 09:21 AM
This seems to be one of the best way to arrive to a much lighter, more fficient near future vehicles.
A 40% lighter vehicle could offset some of the current extra weight from heavy batteries, FCs and associated H2 tanks. Range could be extended with current batteries and/or H2 on-board supply.
Will current heavy mostly steel vehicles willingly change the design and manufacturing of their vehicles? TESLA could lead or would this new technology come from China?
Posted by: HarveyD | 07 September 2017 at 07:23 AM