Illuminati Motor Works Seven

Illuminati Motor Works Seven
Overview
ManufacturerIlluminati Motor Works
AssemblyUnited States: Divernon, Illinois
DesignerKevin Smith and Josh Spradlin
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style4-door Gull-wing
LayoutFront motor, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motorMES DEA 200-330 AC induction motor
Transmission1-speed fixed gear
Battery32 kWh LiFePo4 (LFP)
Electric rangeOver 200 mi (322 km) (207 MPGe)
Dimensions
Length5,334 mm (210 in)
Curb weight1,320 kg (2,911 lb)

Illuminati Motor Works Seven is a prototype of a 4-passenger battery electric vehicle. 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. 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 and now surpasses the MPGe of all three winning vehicles of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.

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.

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 kWh battery pack (99 Thundersky 100 amp hour lithium iron phosphate cells with 3.2 V nominal voltage), a MES DEA 200-330 electric induction motor, modified 1997 Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift transmission, Mazda Miata windshield, and more.

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 (97 km/h) acceleration within 15 seconds. This was due to a slipping clutch which had already reduced the vehicle's efficiency to an MPGe of 119.8 mpg‑US (1.963 L/100 km; 143.9 mpg‑imp) on the track.

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.