Geneva Preview: Magna Steyr unveils flexible Mila EV concept

Amongst all of the various concept and production-ready vehicles that major automakers will unveil this week at the Geneva Motor Show is a new concept from auto supplier Magna Steyr called the mila ev. This electric machine was designed from the start to eschew the carbon-spewing, petroleum-chugging internal combustion engine, so no compromises stemming from the conversion of a previously-gas-powered vehicle were necessary. For this reason, Magna says its concept is immediately ready for series production at its own manufacturing plants and could be configured to accept a natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid powertrain.

In its current form, the mile ev uses a five-door hatchback bodystyle and a set of lithium-ion batteries allowing for a range of up to 150 kilometers (nearly 100 miles) after a 2.5-hour charge. That unit sends electrons to a 67-horsepower electric motor that we presume drives the front wheels. Solar cells embedded on the glass rooftop should provide just a bit more juice for the electric vehicle, possibly enough to keep up climate control without draining the battery pack.

Magna already has a bit of experience with EVs, having designed and built a prototype for Ford based on the current Focus platform for this year's Detroit Auto Show. That work should pay off in 2011 when the Blue Oval launches a production version of the machine, also with a range of around 100 miles. Our intrepid team is currently roaming the halls in Geneva with their eyes peeled for interesting things like the mila ev to point their camera lenses at, so click here to keep an eye on our live coverage of the show.

[Source: Magna Steyrg]

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.