The EEMS Accelerate project brings together a consortium of specialist UK organisations to develop and demonstrate high specification electric ultra-low-carbon sports cars. This project is innovative both in the consortium structure and the individual technologies it supports. It provides a unique opportunity for a range of SMEs in the sector to engage in extended real world testing of their vehicles in a way usually restricted to larger manufacturing. In addition, it will for the first time facilitate a sharing of more general data across all of the manufacturers in the consortium, providing benchmarking of common performance factors across an emerging market sector. The consortium consists of: Delta Motorsport, Ecotricity, Green Motion, Lightning car, Westfield Sportscars and AEA.
Delta Motorsport
Delta Motorsport has a deep-rooted background in motorsport and it is this depth of knowledge and experience that sets the company apart from so many other engineering consultancies. The design engineering skills and approach applied in this ultra-competitive industry are transferred to other areas where cutting edge technologies are critical to performance. Delta has now used its experience to develop an all-new electric car called the E-4 Coupe.
The company prides itself on its ability to deliver the highest quality programmes and projects. A multi-discipline skill set encompasses full vehicle design, styling design, component/systems design, mechanical and electronic systems development programmes, aerodynamic consultancy and full project management, within budget and on time. Drawing together the best individuals and matching their skills with the programme allows us to provide this broad range of engineering disciplines, integrating them seamlessly and completing projects to the highest standards.
One of the high profile initiatives that the company undertook was for an exciting race series concept, Grand Prix Masters. Delta was commissioned to design, build and run 15 race cars for this motor racing series. The team met the extremely tight deadlines imposed by the client, delivering a grid of cars which ran faultlessly on their debut and achieved high praise from the legendary names who piloted the cars, including Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi and Ricardo Patrese.
Today the company works on a number of confidential projects for Formula One manufacturers and major automotive companies, and supplies engineering consultancy to two different race series, Delta has recently completed a contract by the FIA Institute to study vehicle safety in endurance racing. One of Delta’s E-4 Coupe electric vehicles is entered into a global design competition called the Progressive Auto X Prize (http://delta-motorsport-xprize.blogspot.com). The competition challenges companies to build a viable, production-capable, and super-efficient car, it is held in the USA in 2010 and has a multi-million dollar prize fund. Delta has already made it through to the last 28, and using its competitive edge will be pushing to win the competition outright.
The foundation of the E-4 Coupe is an ultra low energy vehicle that uses a light weight structure, low-drag aerodynamics and an ultra-efficient drive train to improve performance and range. It’s a stylish, high performance, battery electric vehicle that is capable of over 200 miles on a single charge, seats four adults and has a top speed well in excess of 100 mph.
The sleek low-line shape of the E-4 Coupe is unlike any other electric car. With a 0to 60 mph of less than 5 seconds, the acceleration is comparable to a Porsche 911 Turbo. The E-4 is available in 2 or 4 wheel drive and is charged using two conventional 13 A plugs. Two ‘gull wing’ doors provide occupant access and there’s a tailgate for rear storage access.
