Electric Jeep performs in the Kalahari
4th Quarter 2013
News & events
At the 2013 Kalahari Desert SpeedWeek held recently in Hakskeenpan, the Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) sponsored a prototype electric car, Freedom1, to promote electric motor technology and premium efficiency electric motors. Its engine contains a significant amount of copper, which is known for its highly efficient conductivity.
Freedom1 is a converted Jeep Grand Cherokee with upgraded suspension. It has a 60 kW motor, more than 200 Nm of torque available at any driving speed, a 150 km range between charges, and is capable of 120 kmph on the highway. The vehicle’s motor is a robust air cooled, four-pole, three-phase induction motor, designed for heavy duty applications. It is driven by a sophisticated computer controlled variable speed inverter drive, which is capable of providing strong acceleration torque and high speed control.
The system includes regenerative braking for maximum efficiency and range.
The 600 VDC battery pack design is made up of a number of large format high performance lithium ion cells. The vehicle is fitted with an on-board charger that connects to a simple custom installed high power charging supply capable of charging a fully discharged battery pack within three to four hours.
Carel Ballack, project consultant at CDAA said, “Freedom1 drew a lot of interest. The vehicle performed exceptionally well under extreme environmental conditions, winning the endurance event. The Jeep was also the fastest electric vehicle at the event, which was no mean feat given that it weighs 2,5 tons.”
For more information contact Evert Swanepoel, Copper Development Association Africa, +27 (0)11 824 3916, [email protected], www.copperalliance.org.za
Further reading:
Schneider Electric’s next generation UPS
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has launched the new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply, complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.
Read more...
Bühler’s strategic upgrades advance world-class manufacturing excellence
News & events
2024 was pivotal for Bühler Johannesburg due to significant upgrades at its manufacturing facility to enhance efficiency, safety and the overall working environment.
Read more...
Fuchs Lubricants sails strong into 2025
News & events
The successful completion of a major investment programme has significantly increased the growth potential of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa.
Read more...
WearCheck launches advanced thermography course
News & events
WearCheck recently launched a new training course, InfraFocus to upskill users of thermographic cameras. This highlights the best ways to capture thermographic imagery for use in a condition monitoring programme.
Read more...
SKF empowers employees
SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...
Schneider Electric again named World’s Most Sustainable Corporation
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights, and is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A new disruption
Technews Publishing
News & events
Just when we thought we were getting to grips with ChatGPT, another large language model is causing havoc. This time it’s a Chinese one called DeepSeek, which was released on 20 January 2025 and on
...
Read more...
Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo
News & events
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...
Motion technology for all types of automation
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...
Epiroc and ABB collaborate on underground trolley solutions
News & events
Epiroc and ABB have signed a MoU based on underground trolley equipment to collaborate on joint, comprehensive and integrated electrification solutions for the mining industry to increase productivity and achieve decarbonisation targets.
Read more...
printer friendly version