Automotive

World's most efficient EV could cover 11,000 km on energy equivalent to 1L of gas

World's most efficient EV could cover 11,000 km on energy equivalent to 1L of gas
The eLi14 is a modified version of the Shell Eco Marathon car from 2014
The eLi14 is a modified version of the Shell Eco Marathon car from 2014
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The original iteration of the eLi14
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The original iteration of the eLi14
The record attempt is verified by Guinness World Records
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The record attempt is verified by Guinness World Records
The eLi14 has been upgraded with some 2015 and 2016 motor tweaks
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The eLi14 has been upgraded with some 2015 and 2016 motor tweaks
Celebrations all around for the new world record
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Celebrations all around for the new world record
The team used Audi's test track for the record attempt
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The team used Audi's test track for the record attempt
Even the Guinness World Record is carbon fiber
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Even the Guinness World Record is carbon fiber
The eLi14 is a modified version of the Shell Eco Marathon car from 2014
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The eLi14 is a modified version of the Shell Eco Marathon car from 2014
View gallery - 7 images

Road cars are getting more efficient, but they've still got a serious drinking problem compared to the super light creations coming out of the world's universities. The TUfast Eco Team has proven a little bit of energy can go a long way, having just achieved the Guinness World Record for the most efficient electric vehicle.

The car chosen to topple the Guinness World Record was a modified TUfast eLi14, initially created for the 2014 Shell Eco Marathon. In search of even more efficiency, the motor was upgraded with a custom controller, revised magnet placement and silver wire coils. Meanwhile, the original rims made way for a new set, accompanied by ultra-low friction bearings.

After fixing a few minor issues on the installation lap, the team managed an average energy use of 1142 km/kWh (710 mi/kWh). Having banked one run, the team tweaked the speed controller and tire pressure in search of more.

The eLi14 has been upgraded with some 2015 and 2016 motor tweaks
The eLi14 has been upgraded with some 2015 and 2016 motor tweaks

What they got was 1232 km/kWh (765.53 mi/kWh). That's the equivalent of about 0.009l/100km (26,135 US mpg), which would theoretically allow the car to cover 10,956 km (6808 mi) on just one liter of 95 RON petrol.

The team behind this flying teardrop is made up of students and alumni from the Technical University of Munich. TUfast cars have been regulars in the Shell Eco Marathon since 2011, while the team's sister group competes in the combustion and electric categories at Formula Student each year.

Thankfully, they didn't have to carry out the record attempt on the university campus. Instead, Audi offered up its test track, where the team completed their run under the watchful gaze of Guinness World Record judges.

An Audi video about the record attempt is below. Language warning: it's in German.

Source: TUfast, Audi

View gallery - 7 images
7 comments
7 comments
Milton
Very cool! To put that 765.53 mi/kWh in perspective, the most efficient passenger EV on the market is the Chevy Spark EV, which gets about 6 mi / kWh.
Milton
I should mention that Chevy Spark's 6 mi / kWh is on a darn-good day, I think most people average around 4-5 mi / kWh with it.
MBadgero
Cool, but part of the efficiency is gained by making the 'car' for a smaller person. Two of these could be worn like electric shoes for adults, though.
habakak
These vehicles attempting efficiency records are always unrealistic and impractical. If they are so great, why don't we have them selling in the millions? They are not able to handle public roads without escorts. They have none of the amenities and safety features of modern automobiles. Yes, maybe for robotic use in space it's a worthwhile endeavor. But for terrestrial transportation it will always be in the laboratory phase.
unklmurray
Thanks for the language warning!!! saved me from watching a video I couldn't understand........As for the cart getting absurdity high mileage in a toy that no one will ever be able to just hop in and go to the store,or, use to commute with.....means ''so what''.....&.....''Big Deal''......has absolutely no use in real life, which is most of the Guinness achievements are such a joke!!.......LOL :-)
voluntaryist
habakak: This pure research, not a car company developing a prototype. But the discoveries/progress made do contribute to greater efficiency, just as racing contributes.
AaronDeville
If you really don't understand how this helps the FUTURE of transportation and technology and so much more! There is little point in trying to explain it to you. The Wright brothers comes to mind!