Lotus sells electric generator technology 07/20/2010
Exotic car manufacturer Lotus has announced a deal with European-based Fagor Ederlan Group that could see the company's new generator technology finding its way into the wave of electric vehicles soon slated to hit the market, according to CNET.
The main drawback for electric vehicles is the range that they can get out of each charge. To counteract this, automakers are working on "extended range electric vehicles" that use an additional generator to supply the electric motor with additional power while driving.
Lotus showed off their generator in the Evora 414E Hybrid concept car. Although this vehicle will never see production, it boasted 0-60 times of less than four seconds and featured Lotus' new 1.2-liter 3-cylinder generator.
That generator piqued the interest of Fagor Ederlan, a parts supplier who have worked with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Honda in the past. Lotus will produce the engine, while Fagor will market and sell the technology to automakers.
With a host of extended range electric vehicles like the GM's Chevy Volt, Lotus' lightweight and compact generator could see some interested buyers and help electric vehicles find a mass audience.