BEHIND THE SCENES OF A NEAR PRODUCTIONISED FAST ELECTRIC VEHICLE

This article assesses Ford's current project to develop a fast electric vehicle (EV), the Ecostar. Ford selected the commercial van as the type of vehicle whose duty cycles are closest to present EV performance, with the additional advantage of more informed data feedback from commercial fleet operators. The European Escort Van was chosen as the best vehicle for EV conversion, and over 100 of them were built in the UK in 1993-94 and shipped to the USA for conversion. Ford's design approach is pragmatic and innovative, and is based on: (1) solid field and research experience; (2) proven control technologies; and (3) cost-effectiveness. The Ecostar's basic performance specifications are influenced by US legislative requirements, and include: (1) range above 160km (100 miles); (2) top speed above 100kph (62.5mph); and (3) acceleration from 0kph to 90kph in less than 14s. The article describes the EV's features, and determines some of the advantages and disadvantages of its key electrical and electronic systems. There will be about 15 Ecostars in Europe, with one already in the UK, and four yet to be delivered. There are also Ecostars in various parts of North America.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03076490
• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Mechanical Engineers

  1 Birdcage Walk
  London SW1H 9JJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • Cook, K
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 18-21
• Serial:
  • AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Institution of Mechanical Engineers
  • ISSN: 0307-6490

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Costs; Delivery vehicles; Design; Economic efficiency; Electric circuits; Electric vehicles; Electronics; Legislation; Methodology; Speed
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• Geographic Terms: Europe; United States
• ITRD Terms: 5405: Acceleration; 6925: Circuit (electr); 224: Cost; 1234: Delivery vehicle; 9011: Design (overall design); 5911: Efficiency; 1282: Electric vehicle; 6965: Electronics; 8034: Europe; 1556: Legislation; 9102: Method; 5408: Speed; 8122: USA
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Energy; Finance; Law; Motor Carriers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00720018
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Apr 26 1996 12:00AM