Land Rover Land_e Concept: Green to the Extreme
The Land Rover Land_e concept, shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was developed to showcase Land Rover’s plethora of new technologies. These technologies, collectively, are known as the e-Terrain System, which Land Rover claims will improve fuel economy, reduce CO2 emissions, and maintain Land Rover’s reputation as a capable 4×4 producer.
According to Land Rover, the e-Terrain System has the potential to improve fuel economy by 30 percent compared to a current production vehicle of similar size and performance. This new technology is also shooting for a CO2 figure below 150 g/km, which would roughly equate to fuel consumption nearing the 5.65 L/100 km (50 mpg) mark.
Two of the most practical innovations are the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive system, used in conjunction with the Integrated Starter-Generator. The Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive system is applicable in both on- and off-road situations. During off-road use, the electric system provides excellent torque from a standstill position. Thus, offering the ability to effectively pull away when conditions are slippery or when towing. For more common on-road use, this system allows the vehicle to rely entirely on electric drive at low speeds, up to about 20 mph (32 km/h). So, when you are sitting in rush hour traffic, the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive will power the vehicle without restarting the conventional engine and therefore improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Great idea, but what if you need quick acceleration? This is where the Integrated Starter-Generator comes in. In the event the driver requires a little more get-up-and-go, this system automatically restarts the engine and drives the wheels using both conventional and electric power.
Does it sound like a conventional hybrid electric (HEV) system? It should, at least on the surface it mirrors Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive as applied to its Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, which include a secondary electric motor dedicated to driving the rear wheels only, replacing the conventional all-wheel drive system and by so doing eliminating the need for a engine to rear differential driveshaft.
(Photo gallery on Page 3)
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment