Four British companies—Astheimer Design, Bamd Composites, Conjure, and Potenza Technology—have been working through COVID restrictions on an all-electric two-seat roofless sports car aimed to show what the future of driver’s cars could look like. The resulting Aura concept car, publicly unveiled at the CENEX-LCV show at Millbrook Proving Ground today, uses natural-fiber composites, efficient electric power, and a modern driver infotainment system that tracks real-world range readings to within 0.5%.

Funded by the UK government’s Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) through the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN), the Aura concept car was designed, developed, and hand-built by the suppliers to create a low-emissions sports car that is efficient on power and its demands on the world around it. Work began in October 2020 with the vision of a long-range electric vehicle (EV) with sustainability at its core, showcasing the efficiencies of lightweight, low drag, and innovative uses of technology to solve consumer issues with running an EV.

Design highlights of the concept include unique orientation for the battery packs, cowling covering the rear wheels to aid aerodynamics, and natural-fiber composites for the bodywork that are not only lightweight but more sustainable. The car’s cutting-edge HMI (human-machine interface) aims to not only reduce driver distraction by providing infotainment through a self-leveling driver display at the center of the steering wheel but also reduce range anxiety through “real-world” mapping and charging availability.

Astheimer Design provided the car’s simple, low-drag, efficient shape extensively developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. In addition to the rear wheel covers, the team added air curtains and a large rear diffuser to reduce the vehicle’s overall wake so the car uses less energy for an increased real-world driving range. However, aerodynamic numbers are currently being kept confidential.

For the body panels, Bamd Composites used natural composite fibers from Bcomp. The material specialist said the choice is not only lightweight but is also a viable production option for body panels and environmentally cleaner to produce and recycle than the metal equivalents. In addition, sustainable vegan “leather” is used for the interior.

Maximizing efficiency and range was the goal of Potenza Technology with its batteries and electric motors.

While most EVs have one underfloor battery unit between axles, the Aura has a unique packaging of the two packs, one under the front hood and the other an undertray pack bolted to the chassis. The front “engine-bay” pack weighs 275 kg (606 lb) and measures 900 mm (35.4 in) long, 567 mm (22.3 in) wide, and 505 mm (19.9 in) tall. The undertray pack weighs 315 kg (694 lb) and is 2400 mm (94.5 in) long, 1074 mm (42.2 in) wide, and 109 mm (4.3 in) tall.

The two 44-kW·h battery modules, for 88 kW·h total, have a system voltage of 500 V. The packs use lithium 18650 cells at 4.2 V each. With large diameter wheels and low rolling resistance tires, the batteries give the car a simulated range of around 400 mi (644 km); real-world testing will commence end of 2021. Charging by a 22-kW portable off-car CCS2 charger takes about 4 h.

The pack configuration is said to improve driving dynamics and driver engagement due to the neutral weight distribution. It also means that the packs can easily be accessed for maintenance. They are managed by a fifth-generation Potenza battery-management system.

The rear-wheel-drive unit features a single rear-axle motor, AC inverter, single-speed gearing, and an output of 160 kW.

Aiming to keep the focus on driving and the road ahead, Conjure designed a 5-in, self-leveling, circular, steering-wheel-mounted display that shows key information such as range, weather, and other relevant driving information. The driver’s display and a 10-in touchscreen in the middle of the cabin are run by a single computing unit running AAOS (Android Automotive Operating System). Virtual 3D real-world performance and aerodynamic views update the driver and coach to maximize range based on conditions.

“We know there’s huge potential for HMI systems to better connect the driver with the vehicle and their surroundings in the future,” said Chris Tingley, CTO, Conjure. “Until now, many HMI programs, software, hardware, and user experience have been developed separately. We believe our approach of developing them as one element is a major stepping stone towards vehicles of the future.”

Spark EV Technology provides the AI-based range prediction software for HMI software and apps that monitors the weather, driving style, and environment to provide energy optimization, ensuring that the driver will never run out of electricity unexpectedly or wait on a charge point for longer than is necessary.

“To successfully introduce electric vehicles to the masses, we need to make sure they provide drivers with the correct information on how far they can travel on a single charge and eliminate range and charge point anxiety,” said Justin Ott, CEO and Founder of Spark EV Technology.

“The AURA project has enabled leaders in their respective fields to work together to build a working demonstrator to showcase to the world how the industry can use technology available today to help overcome these barriers.”

The team behind the Aura is at the CENEX-LCV show in the NVN booth and other events in the UK. To see the car and meet the team, contact info@auraconcept.co.uk. The team is encouraging hardware and software providers looking to better understand the AAOS or get a real-world use-case integrated within the vehicle to email info@conjure.co.uk.