July/August 2020

35 www.drivesncontrols.com July/August 2020 TRANSPORATION n UK group develops an electric tuk-tuk rival A UK consortium has embarked on a project to design a low-cost electric vehicle chassis that could provide an electrically-powered, environmentally-acceptable alternative to the tuk-tuk vehicles that are ubiquitous in many Asian countries. The consortium, led by Buckingham-based D2H Advanced Technologies, is being funded under Innovate UK’s IDP15 scheme, which backs industry-led research into vehicle technologies that will accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles in the UK and around the world. The consortium, which also includes Coventive Composites andWarwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), is aiming to a develop an all-electric vehicle that could compete directly on cost with tuk-tuks. “We have carried out a detailed design study to create a novel chassis which can be built locally to the market it is intended for, incorporating materials and manufacturing processes which are simple to use, abundant in the market and considerate to environmental issues, whilst providing consumers with the option of an accessible electric-powered utility vehicle,”explains says D2H’s engineering director, Matthew Hicks. “Many electric vehicle projects target high- performance, high-value chassis concepts”he adds.“While these are great engineering projects, we identified a need for a very low cost, zero emissions utility vehicle which can be adapted to different configurations and offers the potential for much greater uptake. “While we are designing for a low-voltage powertrain, we have no specific solution in mind at this stage,”Hicks continues.“However, we envisage power and cooling sufficient for 12 hours continuous use – these are utility vehicles and need to be kept in service for long periods.” The design complies with the EU’s L7E Heavy Quadricycle classification, which means that is currently exempt from the need for crash testing. But the vehicle is being designed to raise the bar for safety performance in its price sector. It is presently using a proprietary suspension, brakes and steering with front-wheel drive from a front-mounted motor, and a battery pack between its rear wheels. Without batteries, it weighs 480kg. To ensure the vehicle’s light weight and green credentials, Coventive Composites is developing a jute-based natural fibre thermoplastic polymer for the chassis.“This material has many advantages – jute is readily available in the target markets and is both lightweight and relatively strong,”says Hicks. “When compared to metal alternatives, fibre- reinforced thermoplastics have reduced manufacturing cycle times and energy requirements, and allow high levels of detail to be moulded in, so they typically require less post-processing.” The resulting chassis will be a predominantly bonded assembly. WMG is helping with the process work needed for production. D2H is hoping to attract further partners as the project moves to the prototype and testing stage.“Having made good progress so far, we are keen to take this project further,” says Hicks.“The development of the vehicle will require like-minded powertrain and battery providers, who can provide robust and very low-cost alternatives to petrol combustion units. “This a modern, clean-running version of the legendary tuk-tuk, which has been so successful in mobilising millions of people in India, South-East Asia and South America,”Hicks concludes.“If we can create a lighter, safer, zero- emissions alternative that competes on cost and utility, then we will have done the job.” n  D2H Advanced Technologies was founded in 2015 by experienced motorsports engineers to bring motorsport levels of innovation and response to engineering projects in new sectors. It helps projects requiring rapid development from concept to validated design. The electrically-powered tuk-tuk alternative will incorporate natural fibre thermoplastics that are readily available in target markets t sensor en curr e tur Minia HMSR s vide opr HMSR t sensing, en curr or solution f etur minia e and tiv ecff t es el, co vle tion insula ced orfeinr s a A ving. sa ace sp sembly and as tic oma aut s SMD o it ts thank tion aegr t t in ec perf aor orld f s w onic tr elec er wpo o the ed t t adap sensor is t en curr t 6 mm, HMSR f jus ot a heigh with vice t de -moun ace surf SO16 aged as Pack co m . .lemwww s tion output ect t de en curr ervo • A0 k o 2t s up tsbur t en ad curr erlo v anding o t withs or included t conduc y Unique primar • 5°C2+1o 0°C t 4- ange: e r tur a emper t ting a Oper • time sponse e 2 μs r • st thermal drif t seff ormance gain and o fper High • ange re tur a emper ting t a oper o the tiny ac accur al 5% typic .0• ten nominal curr RMS or 30 A 0 , 15, 2 6, 8, 10 • tions. a s applic e s driv equencie fr ching wit s high -conditioning, s, air ert shut sw goods, windo e , whit aic oltvot pho o solutions t Double

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