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The 640 bhp MINI Cooper QED plug-in EV

Googer

Googer

Lifer



Cliffs Notes:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.gizmag.com/go/6104/">The QED is a ripper, using four 120kW (160bhp) wheel motors complete with invertors to convert momentum back into stored energy under brakes. With one on each corner you have Ferrari-like power and very controllable independent drive on all four wheels.

In the MINI QED, this package offers a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and a 150mph top speed ? supercar territory. An on-board petrol engined generator offers enough electrons to run continuously at motorway speeds without depleting the battery, and you can plug it in at night and commute in full electric mode if you wish.</a>
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The inwheel motors and magnesium alloy wheels, and tyres, have a total mass of 24kg
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:Q

I was going to post something about unsprung mass, but they beat me to it...that thing sounds pretty awesome.
 
Originally posted by: jagec
The inwheel motors and magnesium alloy wheels, and tyres, have a total mass of 24kg
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:Q

I was going to post something about unsprung mass, but they beat me to it...that thing sounds pretty awesome.
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Talk about a great power to weight ratio, I think we are staring at the future!
 
I saw that at the London Motor Show! They said they've been doing it for ages, just not on normal cars. Could be pretty damn useful.
 
Originally posted by: SophalotJack
Any estimates on fuel economy?

and yeah, i'd hit it.
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I would estamate somewhere around 35-45MPG and pluging it in at night would bump those numbers even higher.
 
Originally posted by: Googer
Originally posted by: SophalotJack
Any estimates on fuel economy?

and yeah, i'd hit it.
Click to expand...

I would estamate somewhere around 35-45MPG and pluging it in at night would bump those numbers even higher.
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Really?

And to think, this kind of tech is readily available at an affordable price?
 
I own a Cooper S and can't fathom having 640hp in that thing. 163hp is a lot of fun already 🙂

The only thing I don't like about the QED is that the wheels stick out from under the wheel wells. Kind of reminds me of the early 90's when all the 'pre-ricers' were putting wheel spacers and using rediculous backspacing to have their wheels stick WAY out of the fenders on their Trackers and Civics. Now....if they extended the fenders (not with plastic add-ons)...that would really nice (Mini's already have a tough look to them....more would be better).
 
Jeez, they talk down about how heavy the mini is in the last bit of the article. They weigh less than 2500lbs to start with, that's pretty damn light by todays standards.

Sick little Mini that be.
 
Without conventional brakes, won't the car be unable to stop if something goes wrong with the electrical system, or if the car just runs clean out of energy?
 
Originally posted by: Goosemaster
what in the hell....a 11 farad 350v capacitor ?!

that could probably fry a elephant in an instant😛
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lol, put a tower up and you got your tesla coil C&C weapon 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Goosemaster
what in the hell....a 11 farad 350v capacitor ?!

that could probably fry a elephant in an instant😛
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Yeah, i wouldnt to get a shock from that cap!
 
So when would this be available in the States? And is it something you'd have to do with PML, or something they're going to sell out to the car manufacturers, so you can have it when you drive off the lot? I wonder because depending on how expensive the conversion is, Mini (or any maker) could see a lot fewer leases, since you usually aren't allowed modify such components on your car (unless you wanted to pay for them to re-convert everything back to standard spec when you turn in the car).
 
Originally posted by: SophalotJack
Any estimates on fuel economy?

and yeah, i'd hit it.
Click to expand...

reading FTW.

80 MPG steady state cruising using the gas engine to charge the batteries. that's on TOP of the 250 mile electric-only range. total range is estimated to be 1000 miles.
 
Originally posted by: clickynext
Without conventional brakes, won't the car be unable to stop if something goes wrong with the electrical system, or if the car just runs clean out of energy?
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Not really, regenerative braking is using an electric motor, which in turn is essentially a bunch of magnets. It works even with no power, simply because the magnets resist the turning of the electric motor. They aren't any more likely to fail than traditional brakes.
 
Originally posted by: clickynext
Without conventional brakes, won't the car be unable to stop if something goes wrong with the electrical system, or if the car just runs clean out of energy?
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interesting point, though i expect there would be some fail-safe, like a little emergancy power unit that gives just enough juice to power the braking electronics (and braking would give the car back some power anyway).
 
The availability of PML Flightlink?s high efficiency brushless permanent magnet sine wave Hi-Pa drive 24 phase water-cooled motors in the near future on a commercial scale could ignite a new industry in electric vehicles.
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You have to read this aloud to appreciate the writing style.
 
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Originally posted by: clickynext
Without conventional brakes, won't the car be unable to stop if something goes wrong with the electrical system, or if the car just runs clean out of energy?
Click to expand...

interesting point, though i expect there would be some fail-safe, like a little emergancy power unit that gives just enough juice to power the braking electronics (and braking would give the car back some power anyway).
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The Toyota Prius already uses such a system and Mercedes Benz S-class uses electric brake by wire technology that was borrowd from American Figher Jets. Electric Brakes have also been used for many many years on towable trailers. They are the most common type of brake on small trailers that follow behind pickup trucks.
 
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