From electric cars to eternity cars
Electronics
Whereas electronic components conventionally are still installed at different locations of a vehicle, electric cars in the e.Volution concept could be equipped with a central computing and electronics unit (Central Intelligence Unit). Using the plug-andplay method, that unit could easily be completely removed, updated, repaired, or replaced with a flick of the wrist. Over-the-air technology keeps software and hardware updated as well.
Electric motor
The electric motor is among the least sensitive components of an electric vehicle. It requires no cooling, no lubrication and since it has hardly any moving components except for the rotor its bearings and mounts are uncomplicated as well. Mileages of several hundred thousand kilometers with little maintenance requirements are possible and an exchange of the rotor bearings is easy to do.
Transmission
Technically, an electric vehicle could be driven entirely without a transmission because the largely constant torque requires no regulation. However, in most electric vehicles, a single-speed reduction gear is integrated for better rpm adjustment. Shifting is not necessary and the additional component increases the number of moving and thus theoretically vulnerable parts only insignificantly. Some electric sports cars have a two-speed transmission to increase their final speed.
Interiors
As part of a periodic vehicle refurbishment of the e.Volution and Eterna concepts, the interior trim consisting of natural materials would be replaced and recycled. Here the personal taste of the vehicle owners could be accommodated.
Traction battery
Besides the electric motor it’s the second original equipment component in electric vehicles. Currently, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the usageinduced capacity reduction of traction batteries is much slower than expected. Because coming hightech and high-quality battery types will enable up to 10,000 charging cycles a service life of up to one million kilometers (620,000 miles) might become realistic. Major influencing factors such as frequency of charging and type of charging (minimal fastcharging, gentler slow-charging) can be optimized by smart battery management. That also ensures the battery’s required temperature management.
Bodywork
If the upper body section and the chassis can easily be separated the car can be modified to suit changing life circumstances and tastes with a reasonable effort. Consequently, growing families or new hobbies involving bulky equipment do not necessarily result in a change of vehicle.
Maintenance and wear
Due to the small number of moving parts and service fluids, electric vehicles require very little maintenance. Spark plug changes, timing belt or chain replacements, oil changes, inspections of the V-belt and valve lash – all these are items that have disappeared from to-do lists. So have components like the clutch or the exhaust system. Only safety-related components such as the shock absorbers, the tires, the braking, or the light systems must continue to be checked and replaced as needed just like the windshield wipers or pollen filters.
Powertrain
To put the power of the engine or motor on the road a system of drive and prop shafts as well as differentials is used both in vehicles with IC engines and electric motors. If necessary, refurbished and thus less costly and more sustainable spare parts could be used for repairs.
Chassis
Corrosion protection is crucial for long chassis life. Good repairability after accidents is another important aspect. If a vehicle body should have potential for growth the chassis should be flexible too.