WAE debuts new EVR electric vehicle platform

With its first public showing at the CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle Show, the new EVR concept aims to enable manufacturers to launch unique high-performance EVs based on a cost-effective platform drawing on WAE’s vehicle and powertrain engineering experience.

The latest iteration of WAE EV platforms, EVR is focused on the growing electric hypercar sector with a lightweight composite structure that mounts the high-performance battery system in the middle of the vehicle, optimising centre of gravity.

According to WAE, it can support a range of electric hypercar configurations from track-only vehicles where power-to-weight is maximised to roadgoing models, both open-roof Targa and fixed-roof GT architectures. This is made possible by the architecture’s central tub, designed to allow for such flexibility including open roof design, whilst featuring the latest performance technology such as active aerodynamics.

With a 85kWh battery and peak power of 1650kW, EVR enables sub-2.0 secs 0-100km/h acceleration and a top speed more than 400kmh (248mph) with a vehicle mass less than 1800kg. It also enables fast-charging capability of sub-20 mins and a range in excess of 450km (279 miles). All-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layouts are supported through multiple e-motor configurations. 

For start-ups, EVR can provide a complete turnkey solution with WAE delivering the entire vehicle, with exterior design support supplied by the customer or a WAE partner. For OEMs, EVR aims to accelerate route to market with the entire engineering and assembly of the rolling chassis completed by WAE. Capable of being adapted for both the OEM’s design and styling requirements, it aims to reduce time from development to market launch.

Equally, for OEMs and Tier 1s, WAE said that EVR provides opportunity to integrate new products to ‘push the boundaries of electric powertrain technology’, with the rolling chassis capable of being continuously developed with WAE’s newest motor and battery tech.

WAE is targeting delivery of a first EVR-based prototype within 12 months from project kick-off to delivery of a first production vehicle in 24 months. 

WAE is also developing an EVR-H fuel cell variant to equip the platform for a hydrogen future, aiming to deliver the equivalent performance of a pure BEV platform powered by green H2.

Other innovations being displayed at CENEX LCV by WAE are its Scalable Battery Module  (SBM) system and the Triumph TE-1 prototype electric motorbike, a collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, WAE, Integral Powertrain Ltd and WMG University of Warwick.

“WAE has grown from an embryonic business in 2010 to one which now employs over 500 people engaged in leading-edge and transformative technologies for a growing list of applications, sectors, and clients,” said Craig Wilson, CEO of WAE.

“The array of electric vehicle-focused innovations debuted here today at CENEX LCV underlines our capabilities in the development of high-performance solutions for the rapidly expanding EV market, further underpinning the company’s exciting global industrialisation plans.”