Illuminati Motor Works Seven
| Illuminati Motor Works Seven | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Illuminati Motor Works |
| Production | Prototype 2007 - present |
| Model years | 2010 |
| Assembly | United States: Divernon, Illinois |
| Designer | Kevin Smith and Josh Spradlin |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door Gull-wing |
| Layout | Front motor, front-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | MES DEA 200-330 AC induction motor |
| Transmission | 1-speed fixed gear |
| Battery | 32 kWh LiFePo4 lithium ion |
| Electric range | 200+ mi (207 MPGe) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 5,334 mm (210 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,320 kg (2,911 lb) |
Illuminati Motor Works Seven is a prototype of a 4-passenger battery electric vehicle.[1] It was handcrafted by Illuminati Motor Works (IMW), and placed second in the mainstream class of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE with a combined rating of 119.8 MPGe.[2] It has since achieved an EPA rating of 207 MPGe when tested at the Chrysler proving grounds through funding provided by the X PRIZE foundation and the US Department of Energy[3] and now surpasses the MPGe of all three winning vehicles of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.
Illuminati Motor Works
[edit]Illuminati Motor Works is a volunteer group of mostly self-funded automotive enthusiasts, engineers, technicians, and artists located in Central IL. Kevin Smith (Team Leader/Engineer), Nate Knappenburger (Electronics Technician), Jen Danzinger (Graphic Artist/ Web Liaison), Josh Spradlin (Graphic Designer/Parts Hound/ Fabricator), Nick Smith (Master Craftsman), Thomas Pasko (Master Automotive Technician), and George Kennedy (Engineer) comprised the core team at the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.[4][5]
Design
[edit]Seven's design emphasizes aerodynamics and is constructed of hand-sculpted foam and fiberglass over a steel frame. In 2013 the body was re-sculpted and molds were created. New body panels were constructed from carbon fiber and Kevlar. It utilizes recycled and off-the-shelf components including a 32 kW hour battery pack (99 Thundersky 100 amp hour lithium iron phosphate cells with 3.2 nominal voltage), a MES DEA 200-330 electric induction motor, modified 1997 Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift transmission, Mazda Miata windshield, and more.[6]
Performance statistics
[edit]Post competition performance statistics are as follows:
- Top Speed: 130 MPH[6]
- Range: 200+ Miles[6]
- Miles Per Gallon equiv.(MPGe): 207.5[3]
- Lateral Acceleration: 0.87g[6]
- 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.2 seconds[6]
- Accident Avoidance: 48.32 MPH[6]
Awards
[edit]- 2014 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix [7]
- 2014 1st in Class (Exhibition) - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix [7]
- 2013 Best in Class (Other) - 12th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival[8]
- 2013 3rd Place EVCCON 1/8 mile drag race [8]
Elimination from Automotive XPrize
[edit]Seven was eliminated from the knockout round of the Progressive Automotive XPrize for failure to achieve 0-60 MPH acceleration within 15 seconds.[5] This was due to a slipping clutch which had already reduced the vehicle's efficiency to 119.8 MPGe on the track.[9][10][11]
References
[edit]- ^ Huffman, John Pearley. "The X Factor (Radical Vehicles: Inside the Race to Build the 100-MPG Car)." Popular Mechanics. September 2010.
- ^ "Competition Results Leader Board". Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- ^ a b Loveday, Eric. "Illuminati Seven rated at 207.5 MPGe by EPA." Autoblog Green. 2011-04-13. Retrieved 2001-04-14.
- ^ "About Us: Team." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- ^ a b "Illuminati Motor Works." Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- ^ a b c d e f "About Us: Car." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- ^ a b "Blog post: 2014 Green Grand Prix." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
- ^ a b "Photos." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
- ^ Dettro, Chris. Transmission problems knock Illuminati out of XPrize running." State Journal-Register. Springfield, IL. 2010-06-29.
- ^ Kahn, Michael W. "Tough Loss for Homemade EV: Electric car was flying until the transmission gave out." National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Electric Co-op Today. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- ^ Blanco, Sebastian. "Automotive X-Prize: Illuminati Seven reaches 119.8 mpge despite setbacks." AutoBlog Green. 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
External links
[edit]- Illuminati Motor Works Official Web Site
- Ingenious: A True Story Of Invention, Automotive Daring, And The Race To Revive America
- Ahrens,Ronald. "10 Questions For Illuminati's Kevin Smith." Edmunds Auto Obvserver. 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- Hagerman, Eric. "1 Gallon of Gas, 100 Miles - $10 Million: The Race to Build the Supergreen Car." WIRED magazine. January, 2008.
- Olson, Greg. "Local man part of electric car team." Jacksonville Journal-Courier. Jacksonville, IL. 2010-11-09. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
- VanHoose, Edward. "Out but not down: Illuminati Motor Works looks to the future." Illinois Country Living. December 2010. Retrieved 2011-04-14.