NanoFlowcell, a London-based firm engaged on bringing a brand new and modern sort of electrical powertrain to the market, has arrange its American headquarters in New York Metropolis. It additionally launched an idea automotive that demonstrates the know-how it has been engaged on for years.
Whereas it isn’t a family title, NanoFlowcell has appeared in these pages earlier than: it often traveled to the Geneva auto present within the 2010s to unveil a collection of futuristic ideas. It hasn’t stated a lot prior to now couple of years, and there isn’t any longer a Geneva auto present to unveil idea automobiles at, however work on the electrolyte fuel-powered electrical drivetrain continued behind the scenes. Executives hope that its American division will develop market-specific functions for the know-how, they usually in the end plan to supply automobiles and gas right here.
Producing gas is essential as a result of NanoFlowcell’s idea automobiles and prototypes aren’t common EVs — they’re notably not fitted with a battery pack. They’re as a substitute powered by an electrolyte gas referred to as Bi-Ion that makes use of seawater or wastewater as a base. No matter the place it comes from, the water will get purified and turns into a gas because of nano-structured Bi-Ion molecules. They’re described as “cost carriers developed to portably retailer regenerative vitality.” The electrical energy that this liquid generates is what zaps the electrical motors into movement.
On paper, the outcomes are spectacular: the Quantino 25 idea (pictured above) is a 2+2 roadster powered by 4 electrical motors every rated at 80 horsepower. The corporate quotes a 0-62-mph time of two.5 seconds and a most driving vary of over 1,200 miles. Gas is saved in a pair of 33-gallon tanks put in below the ground, a configuration stated to enhance dealing with by reducing the middle of gravity. Visually, the design examine appears like an evolution of the Quantino unveiled in 2015, although it is now fitted with what appears like a detachable roof panel.
NanoFlowcell stresses that its American division has already began on the lookout for methods to roll out Bi-Ion gas right here, however there isn’t any phrase but on when (or even when) a Bi-Ion-powered EV will likely be accessible. The corporate provides that it has already examined its know-how for over 300,000 miles.
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