Michel Motorsports has chosen the SEMA 2011 convention to debut the Gitano, its first original design effort. The Filipino company has spent its first 23 years building replicas of classic sportscars, and that history has clearly influenced this rear-wheel-drive coupe. But lift the long hood and underneath you'll find a beating heart unlike anything found in its faux-Lotus Sevens – a 150 kW (200 horsepower) electric motor with sundry supporting components. If that sounds somewhat underwhelming, consider that it can pump out 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque continuously from 0 to 5,000 RPM. Good times, yes?
But wait, there's more! Open the trunk and you'll find a 25 kW (34.53 hp) range-extending rotary engine ready to take you 250 additional miles past the 100-mile all-electric range. About the size of a spare tire and able to burn a number of combustible fuels, it runs at its peak efficiency to pump energy back into the battery pack during those long distance drives.
The power plants and their associated bits come courtesy of EVDrive. This outing represents their first foray into the commercial market as well, after spending the past few years developing their secret sauciness. AutoblogGreen actually covered their original electric dirt bike project back in 2008.
In addition to the system in the Gitano, the San Diego-based firm also has on display an all-electric version that's specifically engineered to be used in conversions of BWM E46 series vehicles. They say it should be available in the 2nd quarter of 2012 and be the first of a whole family of modular systems with outputs ranging from 65 to 1,000-plus hp.
As for the Gitano itself, there's no word yet on the pricetag or when it is expected to begin rolling out the door. The first examples will be constructed in Britain and die-hard petrolheads will be pleased to learn that the electric drivetrain isn't the only available option. The company says it can offer offer a variant powered by an LS-series gen IV V8 capable of 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.
But wait, there's more! Open the trunk and you'll find a 25 kW (34.53 hp) range-extending rotary engine ready to take you 250 additional miles past the 100-mile all-electric range. About the size of a spare tire and able to burn a number of combustible fuels, it runs at its peak efficiency to pump energy back into the battery pack during those long distance drives.
The power plants and their associated bits come courtesy of EVDrive. This outing represents their first foray into the commercial market as well, after spending the past few years developing their secret sauciness. AutoblogGreen actually covered their original electric dirt bike project back in 2008.
In addition to the system in the Gitano, the San Diego-based firm also has on display an all-electric version that's specifically engineered to be used in conversions of BWM E46 series vehicles. They say it should be available in the 2nd quarter of 2012 and be the first of a whole family of modular systems with outputs ranging from 65 to 1,000-plus hp.
As for the Gitano itself, there's no word yet on the pricetag or when it is expected to begin rolling out the door. The first examples will be constructed in Britain and die-hard petrolheads will be pleased to learn that the electric drivetrain isn't the only available option. The company says it can offer offer a variant powered by an LS-series gen IV V8 capable of 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.
PRESS RELEASE
New EVDrive-Train™ product family Unveiled at SEMA show Nov 1-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
EVDrive unveiling new EVDrive-Train family, 65-1000HP electric drive systems 4 motorcycles to buses & RVs @ SEMA in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4, Booth #21754
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. (November 1, 2011) – EVDrive has completed development of the first model of it's all new EVDrive-Train family, an advanced electric drive system product family for electric and hybrid motorcycles, UTVs and other powersports vehicles, cars, vans, trucks, buses and RVs requiring 65 to over 1000HP. Proprietary EVDrive components, integration and software technology and Remy's powerful world class electric primary-drive motor cores have been combined to create the EVDrive-Train model being shown at SEMA, one of the most complete electric drive system families available in the industry today. The EVDrive-Train product family and the 150kW-200HP/25kW-REX-100-mile (or 200HP peak drive, 25kW range extender for ~350 miles total range & 100 mile pure electric range or BEV) model installed in the OEM Michel MotorSports Gitano 2-seat sports car will be unveiled at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. Nov. 1-4, 2011, in Central Hall, Booths #21752 and #21754. A second version of this 200HP EVDrive-Train model will be available for conversion by authorized service centers for E46 series of BMW vehicles as shown on the EVDrive.com website. This distribution model insures a "near-OEM" quality installation for our customers where the company can offer up to a 2 year warranty on the EVDrive-Train system.
The EVDrive-Train™ was conceived from the perspective of performance without compromise, including the dynamics of vehicle handling via its ideal distribution of weight. The EVDrive Train is a set of integrated components engineered as a system – liquid cooled motor, controller and charging system mated with a high performance battery pack as its primary power source for the majority of the driving miles. The "secondary" power source is the REX or Range EXtender which delivers the average power needed for continuous highway travel using fuel for the times that the driving destination is beyond the battery range. Typical REX fuel tanks give the vehicle the same or more range than a typical ICE (internal combustion engine) powered vehicle.
EVDrive-Train achieves the highest performance to weight/volume system, easiest and quickest solution for any manufacturer and/or a conversion shop needing a high performance electric drive system.
"The EVDrive-Train is not just a new product, but the first model in a new family of products – either for OEM usage or for conversion of existing vehicles. We are proud to use one of the most tested electric motor core families on the market today, the Remy HVH250, as the EVDrive-Train primary drive liquid-cooled motor component of the 200HP EVDrive-Train model being displayed at SEMA. EVDrive is one of the first to offer a complete integrated, next generation hybrid electric drive system that supports/powers or required vehicle accessories and systems and offers "no compromises performance and range" for the vehicles it is installed in compared to ICE vehicles," said CEO, Steve Tice.
"Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2012, manufacturers and conversion shops can get their first look at the revolutionary EVDrive-Train installed in its first OEM installation in the Michel Motors and EVDrive booths at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 1-4," added Mr. Tice.
"The EVDrive-Train provides a simple powertrain solution for EV manufacturers. It is a complete, optimized electric drive solution that is easy to install. For the 200HP model of the EVDrive-Train, despite its small size, the Remy HVH 250 motor core inside of EVDrive's custom compact optimized liquid cooling enclosure ensures that the EVDrive-Train makes no sacrifice in power and in concert with the EVDrive-Train other components, like the Range Extender, will not make any compromises in range as well. And, the Remy motor is backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability," said EVDrive's CTO Bob Simpson.
New advantages that come with the EVDrive-Train include the level of engineering, completeness, ease and speed of adaptation and installation for EV manufacturers. The EVDrive-Train, as it afforded its first OEM, Michel Motors for its Gitano Rwd 2-seat sports car, allows manufacturers to dramatically reduce the design cycle and development budget and project risk necessary to incorporate a traditional system of individual components. The work has already been done for customers, so they can receive a sophisticated, quality "plug and play" system into their own chassis design.
The 200HP EVDrive-Train is a compact single drive solution that can take full advantages of existing manual transmissions, or use an optional electrically operated 2 speed compact planetary gearhead, producing up to a peak 1150 N-m/848ft-lbs of torque and 150kW/200HP of power with the Remy HVH 250 motor core. The 25kW REX – Range EXtender is EVDrive's own proprietary design able to run on gas, LPG, ethanol, etc. using a single stage rotary engine and EVDrive's own PMAC optimized generator/motor component. This powertrain product family and it's key components are "Made in U.S.A".
Finally, the EVDrive-Train's integration provides the benefit of increased efficiency and safety for OEMs and conversion companies producing electric vehicles.
There is a full range of 65HP to 1000+HP EVDrive-Train models using different Remy motor cores currently in different stages of testing and design to suit the specific electric power needs of touring motorcycles, powersports vehicles, small commuting vehicles, larger luxury sedans, light-medium-heavy duty vans, trucks, buses and extreme super cars. The first model of the EVDrive-Train, the 200HP/25kW-REX-50mile model, is targeted for compact electric vehicles, luxury sport sedans and light duty vans and trucks. More info at http://EVDrive.com
New EVDrive-Train™ product family Unveiled at SEMA show Nov 1-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
EVDrive unveiling new EVDrive-Train family, 65-1000HP electric drive systems 4 motorcycles to buses & RVs @ SEMA in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4, Booth #21754
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. (November 1, 2011) – EVDrive has completed development of the first model of it's all new EVDrive-Train family, an advanced electric drive system product family for electric and hybrid motorcycles, UTVs and other powersports vehicles, cars, vans, trucks, buses and RVs requiring 65 to over 1000HP. Proprietary EVDrive components, integration and software technology and Remy's powerful world class electric primary-drive motor cores have been combined to create the EVDrive-Train model being shown at SEMA, one of the most complete electric drive system families available in the industry today. The EVDrive-Train product family and the 150kW-200HP/25kW-REX-100-mile (or 200HP peak drive, 25kW range extender for ~350 miles total range & 100 mile pure electric range or BEV) model installed in the OEM Michel MotorSports Gitano 2-seat sports car will be unveiled at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. Nov. 1-4, 2011, in Central Hall, Booths #21752 and #21754. A second version of this 200HP EVDrive-Train model will be available for conversion by authorized service centers for E46 series of BMW vehicles as shown on the EVDrive.com website. This distribution model insures a "near-OEM" quality installation for our customers where the company can offer up to a 2 year warranty on the EVDrive-Train system.
The EVDrive-Train™ was conceived from the perspective of performance without compromise, including the dynamics of vehicle handling via its ideal distribution of weight. The EVDrive Train is a set of integrated components engineered as a system – liquid cooled motor, controller and charging system mated with a high performance battery pack as its primary power source for the majority of the driving miles. The "secondary" power source is the REX or Range EXtender which delivers the average power needed for continuous highway travel using fuel for the times that the driving destination is beyond the battery range. Typical REX fuel tanks give the vehicle the same or more range than a typical ICE (internal combustion engine) powered vehicle.
EVDrive-Train achieves the highest performance to weight/volume system, easiest and quickest solution for any manufacturer and/or a conversion shop needing a high performance electric drive system.
"The EVDrive-Train is not just a new product, but the first model in a new family of products – either for OEM usage or for conversion of existing vehicles. We are proud to use one of the most tested electric motor core families on the market today, the Remy HVH250, as the EVDrive-Train primary drive liquid-cooled motor component of the 200HP EVDrive-Train model being displayed at SEMA. EVDrive is one of the first to offer a complete integrated, next generation hybrid electric drive system that supports/powers or required vehicle accessories and systems and offers "no compromises performance and range" for the vehicles it is installed in compared to ICE vehicles," said CEO, Steve Tice.
"Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2012, manufacturers and conversion shops can get their first look at the revolutionary EVDrive-Train installed in its first OEM installation in the Michel Motors and EVDrive booths at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 1-4," added Mr. Tice.
"The EVDrive-Train provides a simple powertrain solution for EV manufacturers. It is a complete, optimized electric drive solution that is easy to install. For the 200HP model of the EVDrive-Train, despite its small size, the Remy HVH 250 motor core inside of EVDrive's custom compact optimized liquid cooling enclosure ensures that the EVDrive-Train makes no sacrifice in power and in concert with the EVDrive-Train other components, like the Range Extender, will not make any compromises in range as well. And, the Remy motor is backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability," said EVDrive's CTO Bob Simpson.
New advantages that come with the EVDrive-Train include the level of engineering, completeness, ease and speed of adaptation and installation for EV manufacturers. The EVDrive-Train, as it afforded its first OEM, Michel Motors for its Gitano Rwd 2-seat sports car, allows manufacturers to dramatically reduce the design cycle and development budget and project risk necessary to incorporate a traditional system of individual components. The work has already been done for customers, so they can receive a sophisticated, quality "plug and play" system into their own chassis design.
The 200HP EVDrive-Train is a compact single drive solution that can take full advantages of existing manual transmissions, or use an optional electrically operated 2 speed compact planetary gearhead, producing up to a peak 1150 N-m/848ft-lbs of torque and 150kW/200HP of power with the Remy HVH 250 motor core. The 25kW REX – Range EXtender is EVDrive's own proprietary design able to run on gas, LPG, ethanol, etc. using a single stage rotary engine and EVDrive's own PMAC optimized generator/motor component. This powertrain product family and it's key components are "Made in U.S.A".
Finally, the EVDrive-Train's integration provides the benefit of increased efficiency and safety for OEMs and conversion companies producing electric vehicles.
There is a full range of 65HP to 1000+HP EVDrive-Train models using different Remy motor cores currently in different stages of testing and design to suit the specific electric power needs of touring motorcycles, powersports vehicles, small commuting vehicles, larger luxury sedans, light-medium-heavy duty vans, trucks, buses and extreme super cars. The first model of the EVDrive-Train, the 200HP/25kW-REX-50mile model, is targeted for compact electric vehicles, luxury sport sedans and light duty vans and trucks. More info at http://EVDrive.com
Featured Gallery Michel Motorsports Gitano Sports Car
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