Illuminati Motor Works Seven

Illuminati Motor Works Seven is a prototype of a 4-passenger battery electric vehicle.[1] It was handcrafted by Illuminati Motor Works (IMW), and placed second in the mainstream class of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE with a combined rating of 119.8 MPGe.[2] It has since achieved an EPA rating of 207 MPGe when tested at the Chrysler proving grounds through funding provided by the X PRIZE foundation and the US Department of Energy[3] and now surpasses the MPGe of all three winning vehicles of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.

Illuminati Motor Works Seven
Overview
ManufacturerIlluminati Motor Works
ProductionPrototype 2007 - present
Model years2010
AssemblyUnited States: Divernon, Illinois
DesignerKevin Smith and Josh Spradlin
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style4-door Gull-wing
LayoutFront motor, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motorMES DEA 200-330 AC induction motor
Transmission1-speed fixed gear
Battery32 kWh LiFePo4 lithium ion
Electric range200+ mi (207 MPGe)
Dimensions
Length5,334 mm (210 in)
Curb weight1,320 kg (2,911 lb)

Illuminati Motor Works

Illuminati Motor Works is a volunteer group of mostly self-funded automotive enthusiasts, engineers, technicians, and artists located in Central IL. Kevin Smith (Team Leader/Engineer), Nate Knappenburger (Electronics Technician), Jen Danzinger (Graphic Artist/ Web Liaison), Josh Spradlin (Graphic Designer/Parts Hound/ Fabricator), Nick Smith (Master Craftsman), Thomas Pasko (Master Automotive Technician), and George Kennedy (Engineer) comprised the core team at the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.[4][5]

Design

Seven's design emphasizes aerodynamics and is constructed of hand-sculpted foam and fiberglass over a steel frame. In 2013 the body was re-sculpted and molds were created. New body panels were constructed from carbon fiber and Kevlar. It utilizes recycled and off-the-shelf components including a 32 kW hour battery pack (99 Thundersky 100 amp hour lithium iron phosphate cells with 3.2 nominal voltage), a MES DEA 200-330 electric induction motor, modified 1997 Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift transmission, Mazda Miata windshield, and more.[6]

Performance statistics

Post competition performance statistics are as follows:

  • Top Speed: 130 MPH[6]
  • Range: 200+ Miles[6]
  • Miles Per Gallon equiv.(MPGe): 207.5[3]
  • Lateral Acceleration: 0.87g[6]
  • 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.2 seconds[6]
  • Accident Avoidance: 48.32 MPH[6]

Awards
  • 2014 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix [7]
  • 2014 1st in Class (Exhibition) - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix [7]
  • 2013 Best in Class (Other) - 12th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival[8]
  • 2013 3rd Place EVCCON 1/8 mile drag race [8]

Elimination from Automotive XPrize

Seven was eliminated from the knockout round of the Progressive Automotive XPrize for failure to achieve 0-60 MPH acceleration within 15 seconds.[5] This was due to a slipping clutch which had already reduced the vehicle's efficiency to 119.8 MPGe on the track.[9][10][11]

References
  1. Huffman, John Pearley. "The X Factor (Radical Vehicles: Inside the Race to Build the 100-MPG Car)." Popular Mechanics. September 2010.
  2. "Competition Results Leader Board". Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  3. Loveday, Eric. "Illuminati Seven rated at 207.5 MPGe by EPA." Autoblog Green. 2011-04-13. Retrieved 2001-04-14.
  4. "About Us: Team." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  5. "Illuminati Motor Works." Progressive Automotive XPRIZE. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  6. "About Us: Car." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  7. "Blog post: 2014 Green Grand Prix." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  8. "Photos." Illuminati Motor Works. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  9. Dettro, Chris. Transmission problems knock Illuminati out of XPrize running." State Journal-Register. Springfield, IL. 2010-06-29.
  10. Kahn, Michael W. "Tough Loss for Homemade EV: Electric car was flying until the transmission gave out." National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Electric Co-op Today. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
  11. Blanco, Sebastian. "Automotive X-Prize: Illuminati Seven reaches 119.8 mpge despite setbacks." AutoBlog Green. 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2011-04-14.
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