ZELV
Project Overview
The NVN funded ZELV feasibility study conducted by Ariel confirmed that the niche vehicle market lacks a low cost, zero emission vehicle capable of delivering high performance driving in a lightweight package. Partnering with Rockfort Engineering, this follow on project set out to prove the concept of the low-cost battery electric drive architecture defined in that study through the build of a working demonstrator vehicle, enabling Ariel to retain its core vehicle values while responding to the market gap and engaging more customers with zero emission.
Technology Developed
Through this project, Rockfort Engineering have developed a liquid cooled battery technology, paired with their electric vehicle powertrain control system, suitable for low volume and low cost manufacture. Similarly, Ariel Electric have developed the vehicle architecture and system design to enable integration of this battery technology into an electric drivetrain. This technology enables the future production of niche vehicles with zero emissions to meet the legislative requirements of 2030 and beyond.
Following this project, the next steps are to further the design and technologies to a production readiness status through testing and further development.
Significant Project Outputs
The project achieved its key objective in the design and build of a fully functioning demonstrator vehicle, including the design and build of a new improved liquid cooled version of the Rockfort modular “Pegasus” battery design.
Through this development, an outline costed bill of materials and 3D CAD data for the vehicle was produced, along with the design of new components optimised for both structural and aerodynamic performance. Similar data was also produced for the battery technologies and control systems. These outcomes supported the commercial case for further continuation of this project towards production readiness.
Future Commercial Opportunities
The outcomes from this project have identified that there is a commercial case for further development of the product to a market ready state. In addition, the learning gained can also be applied to the Ariel Atom, providing another route for exploitation of the technologies.
Ariel and Rockfort are currently seeking funding to bring the technology through to a production readiness level, including the application for further funding from the NVN. This will enable the development of a full technical data pack supported by detailed analysis and a full testing programme ensuring a robust product to be brought to market.
NVN Funding
The NVN funding for this project has been essential to allow the development to a working demonstrator be carried out. Without this funding, the risks and financial impact on small, low volume manufacturers would be too high to be able to be carried out.
Both Ariel and Rockfort’s experience working with the NVN on this project has been very positive and has enabled a close working relationship between two UK innovative companies. Both companies wish to continue working with each other and the NVN on future programmes.
