Protoscar LAMPO Electric Car Redefines ‘Green’ Performance

Protoscar SA in Switzerland is really on track with its LAMPO electric car concept. This sports cabriolet is powered by a 268 hp electric drive supplied by Brusa Elektronik AG, also located in Switzerland. The LAMPO has four-wheel drive achieved through front and rear 100 kW (134 horsepower) electric motor-generators optimized for maximum acceleration and regenerative braking. The motors provide over 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque from 0 to 5,000 rpm.

A lightweight 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can reportedly provide a range of over 200 kilometers (124 miles). The car’s on-board charging cable is placed under the front panel door and can be conveniently connected to any domestic or public charging plug. A new EV plug design developed by Mennekes allows both normal (240 volt, 3 kW) and rapid (240 volt, 7 kW) charging. The on-board charger automatically recognizes when an accelerated 7 kilowatt charge can be supplied by the electric network.

The LAMPO’s unique digital instrument panel displays power flow in real time, indicating positive when accelerating and negative or regenerating while braking or traveling downhill. Vehicle and battery status are also shown via emoticons. A centrally located touch screen includes an Electric Vehicle Application that indicates driving distance based on current battery charge and driving conditions. Using GPS, distance to the nearest charging station and extended route planning capabilities are also provided, among other functions. In the future, these capabilities could be expanded to include those highly variable factors that affect range like topography and temperature.

From inside the vehicle, drivers can choose and set charging parameters that control the on-board battery charger. This includes earliest charging time/latest charging stop, maximum charging yield, and charging status to be achieved by end of charging. The intelligent charging system allows specifying when the battery should be charged once the vehicle is plugged in, such as during off-peak hours at night when electricity is typically cheaper.

Protoscar says the LAMPO offers an optimal level of overall well-to-wheels energy efficiency as well as zero emission operation. Over 80 percent of the on-board electrical energy is converted to driving the wheels, three times better than the best diesel engine, and without using any petroleum. The LAMPO demonstration vehicle’s electric ‘fuel’ is generated by a remote 16 kW-peak photovoltaic plant in Seggiano, located in the Tuscany region of Italy.

Other ‘green’ features offered by the LAMPO include ecological water-based paint developed by BASF Coatings. The interior is electrically heated and cooled using smart textiles developed by ITP GmbH. A woven and knitted heating material with an integrated power lead is used for the heating of the LAMPO’s seats and headrests. Active cooling of the seats is done using liquid-based Peltier effect and compressor systems. A ‘green flash’ safety system even communicates with pedestrians, for instance at street crossings.