At the CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event held in Millbrook, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled a trio of concept vehicle powertrains – “Concept_e” to be precise – that will usher in the next wave of emissions-sensitive vehicles. The concepts showcased at the event were a result of a partnership between Jaguar Land Rover, a number of UK companies, technology companies and organisations, and Innovate UK, which is the country’s innovation agency.
In February 2016, Jaguar Land Rover announced it is pledging thirty six million to help improve processes, energy efficiency and implement renewable energies across the company. With recent growth, Jaguar Land Rover are keen to reduce the associated manufacturing emissions. The Concept_e vehicles are another step towards developing a more environmentally conscious company.
The three Concept_e powertrains highlighted are the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Mild Hybrid (MHEV), and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). The BEV is based on Land Rover’s aluminium vehicle architecture and features electric axle drive units and a 70 kWh (kilowatt hour) lithium ion battery. The front drive and rear drive units have 85 kW and 145 kW electric motors respectively.
The Mild Hybrid (MHEV) is built on the Range Rover Evoque and includes a 48 V electrical system attached to an 88 horsepower diesel engine that serves a 15 kW crank integrated motor with disconnect clutch. The motor generator gains additional power from a 48-volt lithium ion battery.
Lastly, the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is built similarly to the MHEV, but features an 8-speed transmission and 295 horsepower prototype petrol engine mounted on a Range Rover Sport. The electric motor can generate up to 150 kW and also functions as the starter motor. A 320-volt lithium ion battery is attached to provide the necessary juice. According to researchers, the PHEV fitted on a Range Rover Sport can support the four-wheel drive functionality.
While these concepts are exciting to many car enthusiasts and zero emissions stakeholders, they are projected to be long-term projects that will form the basis of the low and zero emissions vision for Jaguar Land Rover in 2020 and beyond.
Saxtons4x4 