2012 Applus+Idiada e-born3 - AllCarIndex

(e-born)3 is an innovative electric vehicle concept developed with the functionalities at the centre of the process. With this project, Applus IDIADA demonstrates how a complete vehicle development project is managed following the principle of design led by functionality.

We conduct vehicle development projects from the beginning towards functional excellence. At an early stage of development our designers work closely with our Homologation, Integrated Safety, Pedestrian Protection and Aerodynamics engineers to introduce their requirements into our designs.

DESIGN

The design process began with a blank page, in terms of design, layout and styling.

Since the (e-born)3 runs on electric motors located inside the wheels, and there is not an engine taking up space at the front, our designers had the freedom to explore new ways of packaging, enabling them to:

- Maximize the available interior space in relation to the vehicles' footprint.

- Fit all that interior space inside a stylish, aerodynamic body.

Habitability

The chosen interior layout, featuring a single front driver's seat, with the passengers in the second and third rows in a face-to-face configuration lends itself readily to the people-transporter role. The left-hand side of the vehicle features a conventional driver's door at the front, and a sliding door at the rear.

Accessibility

The right-hand side features a vertically opening hatch at the front, giving access to the forward storage space, and opposing hinged doors accessing the passenger compartment at the rear. a vertically opening tailgate provides access to the boot.

Versatility

The vehicle configuration is designed to meet two primary requirements. The first being the urban family transporter or taxi configuration, the second, with the 4 rear seats removed, a typical urban distribution vehicle or craftsman's van.

A further version could be a mixture of the above with one or two rear seats providing for a mixture of people and load transportation.

Fluid dynamics

In order to optimize the energy efficiency of the e-born3, the main volume shapes were analyzed in depth by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation. Additionally, CFD simulation was used to minimize noise sources produced by external vehicle projections.

Passive safety

Essential for an electric vehicle, apart from the occupant protection, is the protection of the battery storage compartment. An integrated occupant protection system, good structural integrity and also a very strong battery retaining system were taken into account.

Pedestrian protection is an important consideration for an urban vehicle. The vehicle has an energy absorbing front part to protect pedestrians in case of accidents.

The [e-born]3 is designed to achieve the maximum rating in all consumer tests, such as the NCAP assessments.

Engine & performance:

Top speed: 100 km/h (est.)

Range: 200 km (est.)

Dimensions:

Length: 4340 mm

Width: 1873 mm

Height: 1792 mm

Wheelbase: 2880 mm

Weight: 1100 kg