Lotus exploring mild hybrids with super-capacitors

A Lotus hybrid anytime soon?

Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus, and Continental Division Powertrain recently presented the results of their “Low CO2” research collaboration - "a practical option for manufacturers to reduce their fleet average CO2 emissions" according to the company.

Part of that research includes a mild hybrid drivetrain that couples a 12 kW electric motor and 60v supercapacitors for energy storage. But are supercaps realistic today?

At NAIAS, I was able to ask Micky Bly, who runs GM's hybrid powertrain program, about the possibility of supercaps and GM hybrid vehicles. Micky stated that GM was still exploring supercaps, but that GM didn't believe that supercaps were a viable technology for their current hybrid program due to cost/benefits.

Lotus hybrid vehicle update

Proton / Lotus hybrid program updated

Proton and Lotus have created their first prototype of the new EVE Hybrid sports car according to BusinessWeek. "This project is an example of how the Proton / Lotus family can successfully deliver exceptional projects and products and the EVE Hybrid technology further reinforces the Group's position as creative technology leaders in 'green' automotive engineering." (more)

Hopefully, Lotus will move forward with this hybrid vehicle program.

Lotus picks a hybrid battery

Cobasys will provide the batteries for the Lotus Eve hybrid vehicle project. Currently, the EVE (Efficient,Viable, and Environmental) hybrid vehicle is taking the shape of a Proton Gen2 vehicle.

ZAP-X all electric vehicle shocks auto world

Zap and Lotus will join forces to turn the Lotus APX, or Aluminum Performance Crossover, into an electric vehicle called the ZAP-X. According to the companies the electric APX will offer a 350 mile range achieved with only a 10 minute charge, while an "auxillary power unit" will provide extra power on long trips. Additionally, the APX will achieve speeds of up to 155 mph with its 644 hps.

"Lotus Engineering's APX technology demonstrator vehicle is a perfect fit for our plans to introduce a full product portfolio of electric cars. Due to the initial design by Lotus, our cost and time to production will be significantly reduced. We believe that the ZAP-X will become the most advanced, most practical and most appealing flagship electric vehicle to date and will revolutionize the industry providing the driver with the enjoyment of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV," stated Zap CEO Steve Schneider via press release.

No word yet on costs, but I'm sure it will be expensive. Still, if achieved, the ZAP-X could steal some thunder from GM's Volt. Combined with developments of Tesla, however, not only will competition be created, but important, new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and lightweight materials, will be further researched and refined.