Electric vehicles have entirely changed the way we see the automobile segment. This has been mainly because of their unique drivetrain.
However, a recent prototype from Stellantis is now aiming at another vehicle part that we’ve seen all our lives, the conventional braking system.
The prototype from Stellantis has been dubbed E Tense Performance. It is the result of the joint work with the company’s Formula E team. That’s why the prototype is highly racing-oriented.
The E Tense Performance uses regenerative braking instead of the regular braking mechanism for stopping the vehicle.
What Is Regenerative Braking?
This brings us to the question that what exactly is regenerative braking? Well, a regenerative braking system is one in which the electric vehicle’s motor system is converted into a generator for producing power. This process is carried out when the vehicle needs to be slowed down.
The energy generated by these generators is then stored in the EV’s battery and can later be used again
What Are The Benefits Of A Regenerative Braking System?
This system has two main benefits which include:
- The efficiency of the electric vehicles is considerably improved as the energy produced by regenerative braking improves EV range;
- The life of brake pads is significantly increased. That’s because the brake pads are not used very often in a vehicle that has the regenerative braking feature.
How Will The E Tense Performance Prototype Shape The Future?
The E Tense Performance prototype from Stellantis will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automobile industry as this might prove to be the tipping point of a revolution in the EV braking segment.
We say so because no vehicle or even a prototype has ever dared to offer a system where the regenerative braking completely replaces the conventional braking system.
How Much Power Can It’s Regenerative Braking System Harness?
The E Tense Performance can harness 600 kW of regenerative braking. This is the same figure that the vehicle produces during its forward motion at 815 hp.
Stellantis has not categorically mentioned whether the prototype completely rids itself of the Formula E braking system or not, yet it states that the system is no longer required in the presence of regenerative braking.
Lightning Acceleration
What also separates the E Tense Performance from any other prototype is the lighting fast acceleration of the vehicle. It can reach from 0 to 100 kph in just 2 seconds making it blazing fast.
Battery & Charging
While the battery size of the prototype has not yet been revealed, the company has disclosed that it will have the ability to charge at 350 KW DC.
Stellantis has also made the bold claim that the battery will be fully charged in just 5 minutes using this ultra-fast charger. This is much quicker than any system that we know of, for now.
Final Verdict
Nothing can be said with certainty about the E Tense Performance prototype and its future.
All electric vehicles currently in existence trust the conventional braking system for now. Even the trailblazing company dubbed Tesla still uses the old-school approach to stop its vehicles.
Only time will tell if this latest technology from Stellantis has what it takes to be the trendsetter in the world of electric vehicles.
Can’t wait to see first EV Jeep!!