Tire manufacturing giant Michelin is partnering with China's CITIC GuonMengguli Corporation (MGL) to develop a new-generation electricpowertrain systems based on its Active Wheel technology.The first commercial applications of Active Wheel are expected to be inproduction in China early next year, and if successful could spread toWestern markets by 2010.
The Active Wheel is essentially a standard wheel that houses a pair ofelectric motors. One of the motors spins the wheel and transmits powerto the ground, while the other acts as an active suspension system toimprove comfort, handling and stability. The system is designed forbattery or fuel-cell powered electric vehicles, and the technology issuch that a vehicle equipped with it will no longer need any gearbox,clutch, transmission shaft, universal joint or anti-roll bar.
The partnership between the French tire manufacturer and the Chinesecompany will see Michelin's Active Wheel paired with batteries producedby MGL, while the two will work together to develop a control system,reports Automotive News.
The partnership has already yielded a basic electric vehicle thatutilizes the technology. The Active Wheel electric car built by the twocompanies is based on a Lifan 520, a model from the same company thatbrought us this Mini Cooper clone at the start of the year. Currently the Active Wheel electric car is untested, but proves that the technology can work.
The batteries fitted in that car only have a lifespan of around 62,000- 81,000 miles before they need replacing due to their ability to becharged a maximum of around 1,000 times. The car itself has a range ofaround 70 miles and can hit almost 90mph when pushed.
[ 本帖最後由 carwing 於 2008-12-24 11:52 AM 編輯 ] |
發表於 2008-12-3 12:58 AM
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