14 DAY TRIAL // The latest zero-emission, four-wheeled performance vehicle coming our way is the TEEWAVE AR.1 built by Gordon Murray Design for Toray Industries over a period of 9 months.
The two-seater sortscar uses a carbon monocoque chassis that can reportedly be applied to all types of vehicle other than this project.
The powertrain boasts the same components we usually find in commercial electric vehicle currently available, but the unique electrical architecture and control units were developed by Gordon Murray Design.
The vehicle also comes with a carbon front crash structure specifically designed and developed for it. the Toray carbon fiber is also used in the bod, interior and seats.
Key aspects of this prototype vehicle are the low weight, low centre of gravity and suspension geometry. The TEEWAVE AR.1 weighs in at 850kg/1,874lbs (including the 240kg/530lbs battery), which makes it some 400kg/882lbs lighter than a Tesla.
In terms of performance, the prototype electric sportscar is propelled by a 47 kW PMSM with 180 Nm (133 lb.ft.) of torque available from a standing start. Sprint from naught to sixty (0 to 100 km/h) is done in 11.4 seconds, while the top speed was rated at 147 km/h (91 mph).
The Lithium-Ion battery takes 6 hours for a full recharge and offers a driving range of 186 km (116 miles).
"It has been a pleasure to work with Toray Industries' team on this challenging project. The resultant vehicle weight of just 850Kg achieved using Toray's carbon fibre once again proves that performance through light weight is the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to achieve power to weight targets," stated Professor Gordon Murray of Gordon Murray Design.
"Toray is happy to work with the Gordon Murray Design team to achieve Toray's basic concept of an eco-friendly and highly efficient light weight electric concept vehicle, TEEWAVE. It should be viewed as a flagship for embodying our Green Innovation Project in the automotive field," Toray added.