Toyota updates electric racer for 2013 Pikes Peak
The high-tech racer will be driven at the June 24 - 30 event by New Zealander Rod Millen, who has set multiple records at Pikes Peak. Record-setting runs in the family, as last year, Rod's son, Rhys, set a new outright record in a turbocharged Hyundai Genesis.
More Power and Torque in 2013
TMG's electric vehicle technology centre in Germany used data gained from last year's class-winning run to boost combined maximum power from the car's two axial flux motors by more than 14 per cent to 400kW.
Peak torque from the advanced electric motors has been amped-up by one-third to a thumping 1,200Nm, delivered through a single-gear transmission. Maximum motor speed has been uprated by 20 per cent to 6000rpm.
The powertrain's operating parameters have been tuned to better suit the gruelling challenge of the unique 19.9km Pikes Peak track, which rises more than 1,400 metres and includes 156 turns. Unlike normal combustion engines, the fully electric drivetrain maintains full power even in the thin mountain air.
TMG executive coordinator strategic EV development Claudia Brasse said the innovative charging system could be adapted for different types of race and passenger cars.
"The potential for off-board battery-to-battery charging technology is great, particularly in the world of motorsport where infrastructure limitations will increasingly become a source of frustration for electric motorsport," Ms Brasse said.
The latest car is on its way to Salisbury, North Carolina, where Toyota Racing Development will sharpen the aerodynamics of the Radical-based chassis before conducting track tests.
TMG support crew will further optimise the powertrain during the practice week leading up to race day, June 30. The Pikes Peak climb, in Colorado Springs, USA, begins at an altitude of 2,862 metres and finishes at 4,300 metres - all of which is now fully paved.
TMG Electric Heritage
Since 2007, TMG has been a pioneering centre of development for motorsport-related electric vehicle technology and for alternative powertrain and infrastructure integration in general.
Last year, the TMG EV P002 completed the climb in 10mins, 15.38secs, winning its class and securing an impressive sixth place in the overall classification.
TMG first used a motorsport-tuned electric powertrain in 2011 to set the fastest time for electric cars at the 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
TMG uses pioneering off-board battery-to-battery charging technology, including a Schneider Electric EVlink™ DC Charger, to charge the TMG EV P002 from the mountainside, where there is no reliable connection to the power grid.
HiAce Assistance
Mounted in the rear of a Toyota HiAce, the TMG DC Quick Charger includes a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged directly from the AC power grid.
After an overnight charge, the TMG DC Quick Charger is able to quickly deliver high levels of power to a battery-based electric car without additional installation or infrastructure.
With varying current and voltage output, the TMG DC Quick Charger becomes an independent source of power for rapid recharging in any location, making it the perfect solution for electric motorsport.
TMG EV P002 technical specifications
Performance
Top speed: 230km/h
Maximum torque: 1200Nm
Maximum power: 400kW
Maximum revs: 6000rpm
Powertrain
Electric motor: 2 axial flux
Inverter: 2 x TMG inverters
Gear ratio: 2.5
Transmission: Single-reduction gearing
Battery: Lithium ceramic
Battery capacity: 42kWh
Charging technology: Off-board DC charging
Dimensions
Length: 4.10m
Height: 1.04m
Width: 1.79m
TMG DC Quick Charger specifications
AC grid connection / input
Grid connection: 400 V AC CEE 16 A
Nominal input power: 6.6kW
DC vehicle connection
Output voltage: 400 V DC
Maximum DC output power: 25kW
Storage
Battery: 42kWh, lithium ion
General
Technology partner: Schneider Electric (EVlink™)
