TESLA MODEL S STILL BEST SELLER IN U.S. — Image © TESLA MOTORS
For the second year in a row, the Tesla Model S crushed its internal combustion engine competitors with total first-quarter sales estimated at 6,730 units in the large luxury car segment in the U.S. That is significantly more than the Mercedes S-Class with 4,565 units in second place, and three times more than that of the Porsche Panamera in third position.
Surprisingly, should Tesla maintain it’s current Model 3 production output of more than 2,500 units per week, the Model 3 would become the best selling car in the small and midsize luxury car segment in the U.S. during the second quarter. Whether that will be enough to help Tesla turn a profit by midyear is not so certain.
VOLVO’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC TRUCK — Image © VOLVO TRUCKS
Following Tesla’s lead, Volvo Trucks introduced its first all-electric truck last month. Designated as the Volvo FL, sales and series production of the new model will start in Europe next year. Optimised for urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications, the 16-tonne truck is powered by a 185 kW electric motor that drives the rear axle via a two-speed transmission and propeller shaft. The efficient electric motor develops maximum torque of 425 Nm.
Depending on its intended application, the truck can be fitted with between two and six lithium-ion battery packs, with capacity totalling between 100 and 300 kWh, the latter providing range of up to 300 km. Recharging the 300 kWh battery pack will take up to two hours on a DC fast charger, and up to ten hours on a standard AC charger.
The first trucks in the Volvo FL electric range are now entering regular operation with customers in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks.
NISMO LEAF RC ELECTRIFIES SIMOLA HILLCLIMB — Image © NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA
Nissan, which was crowned King of the Hill for both production and modified saloon cars at the 2017 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, has entered three category-defining vehicles for this year’s competition, including a first generation battery electric Nismo Leaf RC race car. This is the first time in South African history that an all-electric vehicle is entered in a Motorsport SA sanctioned event.
The Nismo Leaf RC is powered by a standard 80 kW LEAF electric motor, but the entire drivetrain has been moved to the back of the vehicle to power the rear wheels. The whole car was hand-built from aircraft-grade aluminium and carbon fibre, and weighs in at just 930 kg. It features a roll cage, fully adjustable brakes and suspension as well as semi-slick racing tyres.
Nissan indicated that their racing team would work closely with MSA safety marshals and medics to train them on responding to electric propulsion systems. While there is no risk of a petrol fire in case of an accident, the 390-volt battery system could pose a risk and requires a unique set of safety precautions.
AUDI E-TRON PUTS THE ENERGIZER BUNNY TO SHAME — Image © AUDI SOUTH AFRICA
An advanced thermal cooling system that incorporates a heat pump will allow the upcoming Audi e-Tron to avoid power fade due to batteries that overheat when the car is driven hard for an extended period. Audi’s system is designed to keep the 95 kWh battery pack humming comfortably between 25° and 35° Celsius at all times, especially during periods of spirited driving.
According to Anno Mertens, project director for charging infrastructure at Audi, the thermal cooling system will make it possible to go pedal to the metal in the Audi e-Tron, over and over again, without any drop in performance, neither at high load, nor over an extended period.
Following a ladder frame design located underneath the battery cells, the cooling system is bonded to the battery cells with a specially developed adhesive that allows for optimal thermal transfer. The aluminium ladder segments are filled with glycol, and a conventional radiator in the front of the vehicle cools the fluid, which also explains the traditional grill on the e-Tron. Surplus heat from the cooling system can also be used to heat the interior of the car, and the heat pump helps to heat the battery pack in cold conditions.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS
