Electric sports car design challenge

Designing a low-slung electric sports car is a complex task, as the space under the front of the vehicle is occupied by various components like motors, gearboxes, and cooling systems. These elements can make it difficult to achieve the sleek, aerodynamic profile typical of traditional sports cars.

Toyota's new patent

Toyota has filed a patent that describes a new technical arrangement aimed at reducing the height of the front part of an electric car. This innovation is intended to help designers create low-slung and aerodynamic electric sports cars by optimizing the placement of key components.

Coaxial motor arrangement

The patent details a configuration where two electric motors are placed on the same axis as the front wheels. This approach contrasts with the traditional setup where the motor and its transmission components are on separate axes. By aligning the motor and its reduction system directly with the wheels, Toyota aims to reduce the height and length of the powertrain.

Width trade-off

While this arrangement reduces the height and length of the powertrain, it increases the width of the system. This trade-off could influence the overall design of the vehicle, especially in terms of its aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

Integrated power electronics

Toyota also proposes placing the power electronics, such as a DC-DC converter and an on-board charger, directly above the motors. This integration helps reduce the overall height of the front section, making it easier to lower the hood without compromising the functionality of these components.

Repositioned air conditioning system

A particularly innovative aspect of the patent is the repositioning of the air conditioning condenser. Instead of placing it vertically behind the grille, Toyota suggests tilting it forward. This allows the highest point of the condenser to be lowered while still maintaining adequate airflow for cooling.

Toyota's electric sports car ambitions

Toyota's patent aligns with its broader ambitions in the field of electric sports cars. The company has already unveiled concepts like the FT-Se, which features a low and wide design, and more recently, the Lexus LFA concept, which emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and a contained height.

Unanswered questions

Despite the promising design, several questions remain. The patent does not detail the placement of other heat exchangers necessary for cooling the battery and power electronics. Additionally, the increased complexity and cost of using two independent motors may pose challenges for practical implementation in future models.