SpaceAge® Concepts (India) Ltd.
Electronic Vehicles in 1974
ElektroCar - 1974
Spage Group of Companies have been instrumental in the development of electric vehicles (EV) way back in 1974. This was achieved by the conversion of a Standard Herald, 4 door automobile with a power electronics transmission (automatic transmission) for gearless and clutchless speed control. The engine, gearbox and the exhaust system were removed to make place for the batteries and a 10 HP DC Motor. The top speed achieved was in excess of 60 Kmph (40 mph) using standard auto ignition lead acid batteries which were then available. Ten 12 Volt lead acid batteries were used to generate 120 Volt DC to operate a 10 hp (80 to 100 hp peak) DC motor. Speed Control was achieved using a Thyristor Chopper for smooth acceleration from 0 to 60 Kmph in less than 10 seconds. The high torque of the DC Motor made this possible and the need for gear change and clutch mechanism was thereby eliminated. The technology did not get commercialized in the late 1970s due to the non prevalence of technology to develop high density, deep cycle batteries. It has taken 40 years for light weight, high power density Lithium ion batteries to be available, which will now facilitate the commercial production of electric vehicles.
The research done and futuristic technologies developed have not yet been commercialized.SpaceAge ®
SpaceAge Concepts (India) Ltd.
9/123 Marol Co-operative Industrial Estate
Marol, Sagbaug, Andheri (East)
Mumbai 400 059
India.
Tel: +91 – 22 – 2850-3986 / 2850-8653
Fax: +91 – 22 – 2850-6214
E-mail: sac@space-age.com
Internet: www.space-age.comKeywords:
electric vehicles. electronics transmission, electric motor conversion kits, EVs, power electronics transmission, electric cars, electronic vehicles