Industry News
UK's PML Flightllink to supply $10m-worth of wheel motor technology to ZAP
3rd May 2007
The US electric car maker ZAP signed an exclusive agreement this week for an advanced wheel motor technology from the Hampshire-based company PML FlightLink Limited. PML’s wheel motor technology is to play a key role in the development of next-generation electric vehicles being developed by ZAP with Lotus Engineering. Electric vehicle concepts like the ZAP-X crossover SUV have targeted performance goals including a top speed of 155 mph, 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a peak 644hp.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider pointed out that wheel motors allow automotive designers to achieve greater efficiencies in the overall design, distributing the weight and displacement of the drive train to the four corners of the vehicle. PML's wheel motors don't require intricate braking systems, instead relying on advances in regenerative braking that enhance efficiency and performance.
ZAP has undertaken a feasibility study with Lotus Engineering to explore the development of next generation electric vehicles. The two companies met last week at ZAP's headquarters in Santa Rosa for discussions with potential suppliers and distributors. In exchange for exclusive rights, ZAP has agreed to an initial order of approximately $10 million in PML wheel motors, subject to terms and conditions agreed on by both parties.
"We've sort of reinvented the wheel," said Chris Newman of PML FlightLink to Car and Driver Magazine. The small British electrical-engineering company led by Martin Boughtwood, PML's director, has produced an electric Mini to prove the technology.
PML FlightLink Limited has more than 30 years’ experience in advanced wheel motor and control system development. According to PML, its compact, energy efficient, electric wheel motors produce unrivalled levels of torque with internal heavy-duty tapered roller bearings that can withstand heavy radial loads for robust use, important for the all-wheel drive capability of the ZAP-X.
PML's trademarked Hi-Pa Drive is described as “a literal revolution” in motor technology with an integrated motor and drive electronics in one unit producing an ultra high power density -up to 20 times more than conventional systems. Hi-Pa Drive is claimed to be 20 times more reliable than conventional systems, and to provide high torque in a lightweight flat motor package, ideally suited to vehicle in wheel drives, where its impact on suspension dynamics is minimal.
Other features include total weather proofing, total energy transfer, and several levels of redundancy so any single failure will never prevent the vehicle from operating safely.
(www.pmlflightlink.com)
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