Taiwanese technology group Thunder Power today unveiled its future electric vehicle range at IAA 2015. Combining its expertise in hi-tech innovation with the best of European design, technology and engineering has resulted in a revolutionary electric vehicle proposition to rival the conventional internal combustion engine. Together with luxury driver and passenger refinements, the range is set to redefine the benchmark for electric vehicle innovation and performance.
The rear-wheel drive Thunder Power Sedan will exceed the demands of the contemporary driver, offering both exhilarating performance and an enviable maximum journey distance. With a choice of 230 kW or 320 kW power configurations, the Thunder Power Sedan will deliver a class leading range of over 650 km on a full charge – or over 300 km on a mere 30-minute charge. The 320 kW version will accelerate to 100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
Also showcasing at IAA is the Thunder Power all-wheel-drive Race model, demonstrating the technical possibilities and capabilities of the dedicated EV platform.
On the exterior, the car’s styling matches the impressive performance. The Thunder Power Sedan has been designed by the legendary Zagato studio in Milan, the name behind some of the most beautiful sports cars ever built. Sweeping, dynamic lines form an unmistakably powerful silhouette. The instantly recognisable grill is also an icon in the making.
Over five years of research and development have gone into establishing Thunder Power’s electric vehicle range, working closely with leading European specialists such as Bosch, Dallara and CSI. The result is the creation of advanced electric vehicle technologies, which set new standards in terms of performance and efficiency.
By engineering an advanced and dedicated platform from the ground up, Thunder Power is able to optimise the efficiency of the vehicle architecture allowing a series of performance benefits and advantages. Unencumbered by legacy issues, this is especially true in relation to the battery design and capacity, an area so often compromised on electric derivatives of mainstream vehicles.
The modular design of the 125 kWh microprocessor-controlled battery pack is based on unique high-energy-density lithium-ion cell technology. Not only will the pack be cheaper to produce and lighter than competing systems, but an innovative charge balancing system will also slow battery aging and degradation. Through the floor-integration of the battery pack, the superior volume will provide both the highest capacity and longest driving range.
A hybrid body structure contributes significantly to the Sedan’s low overall weight of below 2.000 kg and ensures high static & dynamic stiffness and efficient energy absorption. The flexible chassis design based upon a unique modular system allows the range to be extended from Sedan to SUV, Compact and Crossover variants.
Spanning the entire width of the dashboard, the TP-Touch system represents a new benchmark in safety, interconnectivity and entertainment. TP-Touch not only includes the instrument cluster, infotainment and all passenger comfort applications such as video streaming and internet, but also acts as an intelligent driver support. By merging and processing all journey and performance data from both driver assistance and infotainment systems, TP-Touch will provide invaluable advice to the driver, minimising unnecessary distractions and thereby increasing safety.
The Thunder Power range will launch in Europe in 2017 and in China in 2018, followed by the USA. The main manufacturing facility will be based in a 30 Hectare site in Shaoxing, Zhijiang, China. The location of the European production will be announced in due course.
Research & Development for all vehicles will be based and managed from Thunder Power’s European headquarters near Milan and supported by additional R&D facilities in both mainland China as well as in the USA.
