When it comes to energy-efficient, boutique car
manufacturers, we've seen a number of interesting concept (and future
production) vehicles dangled in front of our eyes. Fisker turned heads with its
exotic-looking Hybrid
Premium Sports Sedan (HPSS). Connaught turned some heads as well with its Type-D
H coupe which features a hybrid powertrain.
Now it is Morgan's turn to jump into the hybrid fray with its
LIFECar hydrogen fuel cell concept. The car will be displayed at the Geneva Auto
Show and puts a different spin on the long Morgan motoring tradition.
The LIFECar features a hydrogen storage tank which feed a
four-stack hydrogen PEM fuel cell. According to Morgan, the
QinetiQ-manufactured fuel cell operates at 45% efficiency and generates 22kW of
electricity.
Power is routed to four electric motors/generators -- one
for each wheel. The electric motors used are 92-94% efficient and are capable
of taking advantage of regenerative braking.
Interestingly, the LIFECar concept doesn't make use of
lithium-ion batteries as used in most new hybrids. Instead, the vehicle will
use ultra capacitors which can transfer as much as 1000 amps back and forth
when needed.
Morgan says that with its advanced powertrain, the LIFECar
will be able to reach 62 MPH in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed
of around 85 MPH. The LIFECar will have a driving range of 250 miles and has an
equivalent fuel economy rating of 150 MPG.