Dubbed MiTRE, the novel range extender was developed with support from the government’s Innovate UK and was shown as a prototype 17kW power output unit fitted into Delta’s test electric vehicle, the E-4 Coupe.
Niche car manufacturers Ariel and Morgan have already signed up with Delta to develop 17kW and 35kW power output versions of MiTRE, and the potential for this technology extends beyond electric cars.
When scaled to 35kW output power, MiTRE is approximately 40% smaller and 50% lighter than an equivalent piston engine device, yet still achieves a target of close to 30% thermal efficiency (280g/kWh) with extremely low emissions.
Delta Motorsport managing director Simon Dowson also says that MiTRE is adaptable – meaning it can be run on a range of fuels, while fitting a larger heat exchanger improves thermal efficiency to nearly 35% (240g/kWh).
“One of the main issues seemingly holding electric cars back is the lack of range, but this technology changes that,” insists Dowson.
“We demonstrated proof of concept when we fitted one of the prototypes to our E4 Coupe electric sportscar, and our projections show the cost of the system is low enough to be attractive to the automotive market.”