The electric vehicle pioneer behind the Fisker Automotive Karma plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Henrik Fisker, is continuing to tease the upcoming unveiling of a new prototype, which is expected to be ready for show sometime this summer.
The most recent batch of promotion for the as-yet-unseen EMotion electric vehicle (EV) included comments that the new prototype would be ready for show by August.
Importantly, it was also reiterated that the EMotion EV will possess a range of at least 400 miles per full charge. That means that the model (err, prototype) will possess the most substantial range out there amongst EVs — if it’s released anytime soon, that is. (Other companies could of course create prototypes that possess a range over 400 miles, but Fisker does claim that the production EMotion will possess such a range as well.)
The EMotion “will employ graphene-based ultracapacitors,” Steve Hanley at Gas2 reports. “The technology breakthrough comes courtesy of Nanotech Energy, a UCLA research group that specializes in perfecting graphene energy storage devices.”
“Graphene shows a higher electron mobility, meaning that electrons can move faster through it. This will charge a battery much faster,” says Lucia Gauchia, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and energy storage systems at Michigan Technological University. “Graphene is also lighter and it can present a higher active surface, so that more charge can be stored.”
The challenge with using graphene in a supercapacitor in the past has been that you don’t have the same density and ability to store as much energy,” Jack Kavanaugh, formerly with Nanotech Energy and now a partner in Fisker Nanotech. “We have solved that issue with technology we are working on. Altering the structure of the graphene has allowed them to improve the supercapacitor’s energy density.”
Steve notes that other innovations improve the range of the EMotion as well: “In addition to its cutting-edge electricity storage feature, Fisker says the EMotion will be lighter than a comparable car because it will feature a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber in its construction.”
https://twitter.com/FiskerOfficial/status/856489004027568128
Autoblog provides more: “Fisker started teasing images last fall, subsequently noting that the car will have a top speed of 161 miles per hour and adding that the car will be roomier than its sleek profile would suggest. As for the unveiling timetable, the EMotion’s debut as a prototype would take place about a month after Tesla’s planning to start deliveries of its Model 3.”
That would be interesting. Will the Fisker EMotion EV still seem compelling (with its high price tag) even after the Tesla Model 3 has begun hitting the streets?
For more information on Henrik Fisker’s new company and EV, see:
Fisker EMotion — New Details On 400-Mile Fisker Inc. EV
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