ERA
Electric RaceAbout
The
ERA (Electric RaceAbout) is a project by Helsinki Polytechnic and a multitude
of automotive companies and organizations providing support and cooperation.
The
ERA is, as the name suggests, an electric powered sports vehicle. The Electric
RaceAbout is designed to accept the latest technology in electric powertrain
and battery systems, as well as light-weight manufacturing techniques.
The
exterior design of the ERA was undertaken by the Institute of Design, Lahti
Polytechnic. The ERA is based on the lightweight aluminium chassis of the Audi
R8. Driving the concept are 4 in-wheel electric motors powered by Li-Ion (Fe)
battery packs weighing 350 - 570 kgs. Helsinki Polytechnic estimate this setup
will give the ERA a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds and a top speed in the
area of 120 mph. The batteries should give the ERA a 180+ mile range.
The
ultimate target of the ERA project is to reach low volume production, and the
vehicle is designed accordingly. The Lithium batteries, full carbon fibre body
and 4 electric motors (one motor per wheel) lead to a high financial cost which
Helsinki Polytechnic belive the market can bear in limited quantities.
The
Electric RaceAbout (ERA) is an entrant in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize
Competition. A competition to create a super-efficient marketable vehicle that
will achieve 100 MPG.
