Geneva Preview: Magna debuts new EV concept

Auto supplier Magna Steyr has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its new mila ev concept vehicle. You may recall that Magna is currently working with Ford on a production version of the Focus-based electric car that the Blue Oval is expected to launch as a production model in 2011. Like the proof-of-concept EV from Magna that we got the chance to drive at the Detroit Auto Show, the mila ev uses a lithium ion battery pack that's capable of providing a range of around 100 miles (150 kilometers) after a charge of about 2.5 hours.

Though it's clearly possible to convert a gas-guzzler to an electric machine, the mila ev highlights the advantages of designing a purpose-built electric vehicle with a spacious five-door hatchback bodystyle and the ability to accommodate a natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid powertrain in addition to the fully electric version currently being shown. Integrated rooftop solar panels provide an extra jolt of power and could possibly allow for a climate control system that doesn't drain the batteries.

Magna says that the mila ev concept is ready for production and that it can assemble the modular vehicle for any manufacturer at its own flexible manufacturing plants. Check out our gallery below and see the official press release after the break.

[Source: Magna Steyr]

PRESS RELEASE:

mila ev: Uncompromising, forward-looking, universal, suited to daily use

Magna is presenting the latest member of the MILA innovation family at the Geneva Motor Show 2009: mila ev – a forward-looking automotive concept, uncompromising, universally applicable and suited to daily use in every way. The outstanding element and centerpiece of the mila ev is its fully integrated
electric vehicle platform which can be used by every OEM to realize their own product, drive and design strategies in the shortest of time.

A new vehicle concept

A new vehicle concept has been developed in the shape of the mila ev in which the electric drive represents both the starting point and end point of development. In other words, a vehicle concept optimized for an alternative, forward-looking drive technology in all the developmental steps and thus representing no subsequent modification, retrofitting or conversion of an already existing concept. Without compromise, as only can be expected from a complete-systems provider proficient in understanding complete vehicle systems and outstanding expertise in system integration built up over many years.

Direct from concept to series production

The novel platform on which the mila ev is based is a completely developed concept which can be used for production-vehicle development immediately and thus for series production in the shortest of time – as a genuine electric vehicle or, thanks to the intelligent design, with natural gas, fuel cells or hybrid drive.

Advantages

1. No modification of classical vehicle concepts, but rather a functionally optimized platform for all vehicle features (weight, strength, NVH, crash, etc.)

2. Full flexibility and adaptability to the strategies, needs and designs of all OEMs.

3. The expertise advantage from Magna: one-stop provision from components to the complete vehicle, including a business model for production.

4. Cost advantage: common utilization by a variety of OEMs and/or for different drive versions means higher production runs and thus lower costs.

5. Magna Steyr as ideal manufacturing partner: with the well-proven Flex Plant concept, all versions can be made on one single production line.

Design and Engineering

The concept study of the mila ev, which will be presented in Geneva as show car, is a five-door version with a length of about 4 m and a wheelbase of 2.5 m. The rolling lines of the body provide for graceful esthetics. At the same time, the connecting line between headlights and side windows lends the vehicle a futuristic and elegant look. The lateral running sensor strip is at one and the same time design element, door opener and "fuel gauge" which shows, clearly visibly, the current battery charge. Additionally, the integrated door opener is activated by an electronic key. The solar cells integrated in the glass roof serve as additional energy generation; the usually large wing mirrors of conventional vehicles have been replaced in mila ev by aerodynamic reverse-view cameras.

The mila ev is driven by a 67 hp electric motor supplied by one of the lithium-ion batteries developed by Magna Steyr. At an average charging time of 2.5 hours, ranges of up to 150 km can be achieved.