Geneva Innovation / nanoFlow cell
Imagine a vehicle that launches from zero to 60 miles per hour in just over 2 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of just over 186 miles per hour.
Well imagination has become reality at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show where nanoFlowcell Holdings celebrated the world premiere of the first low-voltage sports cars powered by flow cell energy – notably, the QUANT 48VOLT 2 + 2 sports sedan prototype.
But what’s even more remarkable about the QUANT 48VOLT than its speed according to Nunzio La Veccia, nanoFlowcell’s Chief Technology Officer, is that its electric drive is consistently maintained at a low voltage, making it the world’s safest electric sports car from an electrical perspective.
A research and development company, nanoFlowcell Holdings describes itself as “a pioneer and shaper of future thinking in mobility and as a mentor for energy that is environmentally compatible and can be sustainably structured.”
While other electric vehicle system operate at dangerously high voltages, the Flow cell technology in the QUANT 48VOLT can not only perform at the kilowatt output levels needed for high performance and offer an anxiety-free driving range that’s anticipated to be over 600 miles but do so with a safe maximum battery voltage of 48 volts.
One of the most important benefits of low voltage is that there’s no risk of electric shock to road users or first responders in the event of an accident. Plus, the bi-ION electrolyte liquid used in the nanoFlowcell isn’t flammable, explosive or harmful to the environment according to the company.
nanoFlowcell promotes the technology as the safest, most powerful, environmentally compatible and economical drive system for electric vehicles currently available that could be built in series production.
As it stands, the four 140 kiloWatt low-voltage motors in the QUANT 48VOLT make it the most powerful all-wheel drive low-voltage electric sports car not only at the Geneva Motor Show but anywhere on the globe.
Meanwhile, Volvo has revealed new 40 series concepts built around the automaker’s new Compact Modular Architecture.
With plans to expand into global market for premium small cars, the company is developing a range of vehicles that combine compelling exterior and interior design with leading edge connectivity, electrification and autonomous drive technologies.
Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design at Volvo explains more in the video.
We go back to Geneva for our final story this week, where Hyundai unveiled its FE Fuel Cell Concept – a futuristic look ahead to the next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Employing a minimalist approach to the vehicle’s styling, Hyundai sought to emphasize the non-polluting nature of the FE Fuel Cell Concept.
Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, described the FE Fuel Cell Concept as an important evolution of the company’s pioneering hydrogen leadership that “moves us closer to our vision for a ‘Hydrogen Society’, where transportation is clean, efficient and enhances the lives of our customers.”
The concept vehicle is part of the company’s eco-vehicle program that will see 14 or more new environmentally-focused models introduced by 2020. The FE in its name stands for “Future Eco”.
Designed to run for about 500 miles between refueling, the FE Fuel Cell Concept represents an increase of 30 percent in the power density of the fuel cell stack over the current generation Tuscon ix35 Fuel Cell.
For added convenience, the FE Concept features portable battery packs to power passenger devices as well as an integrated storage and charging space in the trunk for an electric scooter.
