Williams Advanced Technique (WAIT), now owned by Australian metal giant Fortescue (FMG), has unveiled its modular high-performance electric vehicle (EV) architecture for supercars.
Named EVRthis is WAE’s latest EV architecture and was revealed at the Low Carbon Vehicle show at the Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK.
The UK-based engineering firm says it will have an EVR-based prototype in the next 12 months, with delivery of production vehicles in 24 months.
Although still in development, the EVR architecture has been confirmed by Austrian supercar manufacturer Deus Automobiles for use in its upcoming Vayanne EV supercar.
EVR architecture combines lightweight composite chassis with “modern” Battery pack 85kWh in the middle of the car.
The required peak power is 1650kW power, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive supported with a multi-electric motor configuration.
WAE claims a vehicle on this platform capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in under two seconds and a top speed of over 400km/h with a vehicle mass of less than 1800kg.
There’s also a “performance optimization” battery management system, as well as torque vectoring.
Claimed coverage is more than 450kmunder unspecified efficiency standards, with a quick charge of less than 20 minutes.
The EVR architecture can obviously be used in a number of different configurations, from race-only applications to open-top and convertible GT vehicles.
WAE’s aim is to provide a turnkey solution so that both startups and OEMs can reduce development costs and time to market.
This is because the entire engineering process and assembly of the wheelchair frame is completed by WAE.
WAE also confirmed that it has been working on a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) version of the EVR architecture, called EVR-H, which will appear to have “comparable performance” to the fully electric platform. whole.
No timeline has been given as to when to expect this version of FCEV to be shown.
Williams Advanced Engineering’s technical director Paul McNamara said: “The EVR combines WAE’s exceptional expertise in lightweight, synthetic construction and high-performance battery powertrains for motorsport.
As recently reported, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has agreed to acquire UK-based engineering companysplit from the legendary Williams F1 team, for £164 million (US$281 million).
The acquisition from previous majority owner EMK Capital was signed, stamped and delivered in March 2022.
WAE calls itself “the world’s leading engineering and technology enterprise, known for its groundbreaking projects in high-performance battery systems and electrification”.
The company is also active in the areas of product development; supported by advanced simulations, testing, rapid prototyping, and high-volume production.
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Jaguar C-X75 -
McLaren Extreme E
Since taking charge in 2010 from the parent company, WAE has grown to around 400 employees and operates with a “growing list” of tier 1 clients.
One notable project undertaken by WAE in the past included a partnership with Jaguar to create the C-X75 hybrid supercar, which was developed in just 18 months but ultimately canceled at the end of 2012.
More recently, WAE has acted as a powertrain developer for the Pole E off-road championship.
THAN: Australia’s Fortescue buys Williams Advanced Engineering
