Techrules debuts production design for the Ren supercar, with an electric powertrain designed by Podium Engineering

Geneva, 8 March 2017 - Techrules is debuting the final production design of its first series hybrid supercar at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. ‘Ren’ is the first production vehicle from the China-based automotive research and development company, and features its proprietary Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology. TheRenfeatures a lightweight chassis that has been designed and constructed to the highest standards by esteemed motorsport specialist, L.M. Gianetti of Turin, who has assigned to Podium Engineering the development of the innovative four motors and turbine range extender architecture and the battery pack. Renis the world’s first electric production supercar to feature the Techrules-developed Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) system, already anticipated at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The series hybrid powertrain technology delivers high levels of efficiency and performance, and an ultra-low environmental impact. A variety of configurations will be available to tailor the powertrain to the exact requirements of the customer. The flagship version – with a battery capacity of 25 kWh and with two motors at the front and four at the rear – delivers maximum power of 960kW (1,287 hp/1,305 ps) with a range of 1,170 km from 80 litres of diesel fuel (NEDC). The drivetrain comprises two, four or six axial flux, liquid-cooled electric motors manufactured by YASA in the UK. These motors, known as ‘pancake motors’, have a large diameter in relation to their length, making them ideal for use on theRenas the motors package flat against the inside of the carbon tub, where space is at a premium. The rear-wheel-drive two-motor configuration will see a motor driving each rear wheel. A four-motor set-up will drive all four wheels. The highest-power six-motor configuration has two motors for each rear wheel, and one for each front wheel. The motors drive each wheel via a reduction gear of 1:3.3 housed in each side plate specially designed for the car. As with the platform, the Ren’s powertrain is also modular, comprising either two, four or six axial flux (biscuit tin) YASA electric motor generators. There are also three available battery capacities: 14 kWh, 25 kWh, and 32 kWh. And customers can choose from either one or two high efficiency 30 kW turbine configuration, or a high power density two-80 kW turbine set-up. And single YASA motor generates 160 kW / 215 hp (218 ps) and 390 Nm / 288 lb ft. The resulting outputs from the various configurations available are: - Two motors = 320 kW / 429 hp (435ps) 780 Nm / 575 lb ft - Four motors = 640 kW / 858 hp (870ps) 1,560 Nm / 1,150 lb ft - Six motors = 960 kW / 1,287 hp (1,305ps) 2,340 Nm / 1,725 lb ft The battery pack is designed and manufactured by Podium Engineering specifically for the Ren. It will come in three capacities of 14 kWh, 25 kWh and 32 kWh and can be charged to 80% capacity in under 15 minutes using a DC fast charger. The target lifespan of the battery is 100,000 cycles. The batteries feature an innovative design and incorporate battery management technologies that enable superior charging efficiency and power balancing between battery cells. Each cell voltage and temperature are independently monitored. Cells are connected via a circuit board instead of wires, for greater durability. The number of cells is 1,344 cell for the 25 kWh version and the pack can deliver 1,200 A, enough to drive six wheel motors at full power. The battery management system (BMS) is integrated and designed to optimise the performance and life of the battery while ensuring absolute safety. There are three water cooling circuits for the motors, battery and inverter. A heat exchanger (radiator) pack is attached to the front aluminium chassis plate and the cooling circuits are supplied by three electric pumps also mounted on the front plate.