Illuminati Motor Works Seven

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Illuminati Motor Works Seven
2013 Illuminati Motor Works Seven.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerIlluminati Motor Works
ProductionPrototype 2007 - present
Model years 2010
AssemblyUnited 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
Length5,334 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.

Contents

Illuminati Motor Works

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

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

Post competition performance statistics are as follows:

Awards

Elimination from Automotive XPrize

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

  1. ↑ Huffman, John Pearley. "The X Factor (Radical Vehicles: Inside the Race to Build the 100-MPG Car)." Popular Mechanics. September 2010.
  2. ↑ "Competition Results Leader Board". Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  3. 1 2 Loveday, Eric. "Illuminati Seven rated at 207.5 MPGe by EPA." Autoblog Green. 2011-04-13. Retrieved 2001-04-14.
  4. ↑ "About Us: Team." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  5. 1 2 "Illuminati Motor Works." Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "About Us: Car." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  7. 1 2 "Blog post: 2014 Green Grand Prix." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  8. 1 2 "Photos." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  9. ↑ Dettro, Chris. Transmission problems knock Illuminati out of XPrize running." State Journal-Register. Springfield, IL. 2010-06-29.
  10. ↑ 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.
  11. ↑ Blanco, Sebastian. "Automotive X-Prize: Illuminati Seven reaches 119.8 mpge despite setbacks." AutoBlog Green. 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
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