AC Propulsion is supplying both the electric propulsion and the battery technology for the MINI E electric vehicle introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show by BMW Group. AC Propulsion has already delivered more than 500 drive systems to the BMW Group factory in Munich for MINI E production.
The MINI E features a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor powered by a 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (approximately 28 kWh usable), with a single-stage helical gearbox transferring power to the front wheels. The electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), with 0 to 100 kph acceleration in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 kph (95 mph).
The MINI E uses a specially-developed version of AC Propulsion’s proprietary tzero technology to provide high performance, high efficiency, and fast charging. AC Propulsion’s air-cooled copper-rotor induction motor produces maximum torque from zero to 5,000 rpm and spins all the way up to 13,000 rpm. The IGBT inverter drives the motor to produce its peak power of 150 kW. Continuous power is 50 kW.
AC Propulsion also supplies the battery pack for the MINI E. The 35 kWh, 380V pack comprises 48 Li-ion modules, each assembled from 106 small Li-ion cells (5,088 cells in total) using proprietary assembly techniques and battery management technology. Each module sends voltage and temperature information to the management system which controls for optimal battery operation under driving and charging conditions. Battery data are logged to provide information for analysis and evaluation.
greencarcongress. 24 Nov 2008