Let’s see to what extent weight and aerodynamic coefficient are important for an electric car through this example of electrification.
At present, the electric car segment is in deep growth. Just look at the new introductions to understand how hybrid or purely electric options have unique potential over conventional internal combustion alternatives. It is being observed how the automobile fleet of the next few years is considering, without a doubt, that it will be 0 emissions. When? The horizon is closer.
When determining an electric car, autonomy is essential to explain whether its purchase is appropriate or not. If it is required to carry out long journeys, it would not be the most recommended option, since this type of proposal suffers from a weakness related, above all, to high speed. If you are going to carry out a purely urban or mixed cycle driving, green light for its acquisition. medium term you will get a return on investment.
Now, what are the aspects that can affect the autonomy of an electric car? At this point, we can find internal and external factors. The seconds are given and, between them, we can highlight the outside temperature or the presence of gusts of wind. In relation to the former, weight or aerodynamics affect, and in what way, consumption, being able to obtain higher or lower autonomy figures. Now, how do you know if a great job has been done in this regard?
Automakers have worked hard to achieve reduced aerodynamics and weight coefficients in order to maximize autonomy. Even so, it is important to bear in mind that we are dealing with variables that are difficult to modify in order to obtain improvements, which is why, in many cases, the electric car ends up resulting in higher prices than might be expected.
Let us see, therefore, to what extent it is important enjoy both parameters at low level through a very simple example. Thanks to this particular case, it will be possible to discover why this type of solution has a great implication in consumption and, therefore, in the total autonomy of a vehicle based on batteries and electric motors.
It is not always a good idea to electrify a classic car due to loss of autonomy
In the past, at Urban Tecno we have shown you all kinds of examples of classic vehicles that have replaced their conventional mechanics with the aim of betting on an electric alternative. Following this pattern, this 1950 Jaguar did the same, obtaining a disparate result. The objective was met, yes, but the result is far from being as efficient as one might think. After all, the greater weight and aerodynamic coefficient weigh down the installation of the electrical components.
SuperfasstMatt has been in charge of commanding this transformation. To understand to what extent benefits have been lost, it is important to bear in mind that the electrical technology corresponded to a Tesla Model 3, whose battery pack corresponded to the 50 kWh version. It is, therefore, a used equipment, but, making a quick estimate, it can be predicted that it could have usable around 40-45 kWh.
Bearing in mind that the original electric group offered the Tesla Model 3 around 400 kilometers of autonomy, in one of the first trips only about 200 kilometers could be made. The difference between both valuations is clearly palpable. Yes, the main problem with the electric proposal was the presence of excessive weight and an aerodynamic coefficient that did not contribute significantly to the development of one of its first routes.
The problem of using conventional materials without wind tunnel testing
In the 1950s, what manufacturer was going to take drag coefficient into account? At that time, the concerns of the public were, without a doubt, quite different. With the passage of time and the increase in the cost of energy, began a continuous commitment to improve in this way. Something that happened in the same way with the weight of cars. The use of lightweight materials became essential to reduce fuel consumption.
This type of practice, already with the development of the electric car, have been taken to a new dimension. After all, we are facing a unique moment in which each extra kilometer of autonomy can serve to increase the popularity of this technology. Still, much remains to be done in an industry that continues relentlessly to work in this direction.
It should be noted that this position increased its bet after checking how lithium ion batteries have very difficult to keep improving its density. We will have to wait to see if another technology arrives with options to continue growing or if, on the contrary, electric technology continues to work on reducing weight and the aerodynamic coefficient to gain extra mileage per full load cycle.
Related topics: Motor
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