To be able to improve the efficiency of electric cars, the company Page-Roberts presented an idea -vertical batteries- that could be the solution to one of the weak points of electric cars. By changing the position of the power unit they may have brought about a revolution.
Electric vehicle manufacturers have opted for the skateboard chassis as the preferred way to integrate a battery into an electric vehicle. These platforms reduce weight and eliminate the volume of passenger and cargo compartments. That’s why Page-Roberts believes it has found a more efficient way, claiming that its vertical battery stacking design can increase the range of electric cars.
The drawbacks of vertical batteries are the additional height and weight and the structural complexities of the body. Even though, vertical batteries are seen as a firm alternative. The idea is to change the location and orientation of the battery pack by positioning it vertically inside the passenger compartment.
These batteries, between the two rows of seats, would have the potential to travel 30% longer on one charge. Using this method, manufacturers could also use a smaller battery to maintain a range similar to today’s levels. Also, based on data verified by Page-Roberts, manufacturing costs could be reduced by 36% if this idea were to go into mass production.
The design of the cars will also change significantly
The batteries of Page-Roberts’ British start-up, as shown in the image, would occupy half the height of the vehicle. This would make it possible to lower its height and, at the same time, improve the car’s design. Designers would have more flexibility in redefining the car’s exterior.
At the same time, to avoid interfering with space or being a nuisance, Page-Roberts rotates the rear seats to face rearward. Thus, the vertical battery pack is angled to better fit between the reclined seats. Making the battery pack fit inside the passenger compartment itself would also improve the design of the car, as well as the user experience, they explain.
However, at the same time, this proposal for vertical batteries -which is under development- has some drawbacks. This arrangement could limit the practicality of the interior, as the batteries would act as a physical barrier between the passengers in the front and rear rows. This could lead to lower seat heights and a shorter wheelbase, so it would only be feasible in sportier models.
The company claims that this position reduces impact exposure, saving between 35 and 75 kg of crash structure materials. This structural lightening combined with weight savings and improved aerodynamics would do so by increasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
With this new concept already patented by the firm, they aim to improve several aspects like energy-saving for the automobile. We also need to talk about the cooling system. This is normally located under the battery, just as the safety cell that protects the battery. Although, they have not been mentioned in the design.
