BMW is developing shock absorbers to increase the range of e-cars
BMW is currently developing a shock absorber that should increase the range of electric cars. To do this, the company takes advantage of the road conditions. The keyword is: energy harvesting.
Electromobility continues to pick up speed. Many people are now switching to an electric vehicle. At the same time, reservations about the technology remain. Because especially in winter, due to the lower outside temperatures, there is often a fear of insufficient range.
This problem BMW has also recognized this and wants to remedy the situation with a new mechanism. Because whether we want it or not, our tires always end up in potholes or hit other obstacles. The shock absorbers compress to reduce the vibrations that occur. The resulting energy usually dissipates.
BMW builds shock absorbers that can recover energy
But this is exactly where the new mechanism from BMW comes into play. The Munich carmaker wants to develop shock absorbers that feed the energy acting on the vehicle directly into the battery. The method, also known as energy harvesting, could sustainably extend the range of electrically powered models.
But how does the system work? When a car drives over a bump, the bumper compresses. Back on “normal” ground, the suspension expands and is supposed to drive a small generator. The vehicle then feeds the resulting electricity directly into its own battery.
In addition to the recovery of braking energy – also known as recuperation – this is another way of driving a battery for longer.
First use in the upper class probably
In a first version, one would like to focus primarily on the energy that arises when the spring expands. The reason for this is that the movement is slower and more targeted than the forces that act when compressing. Since an additional generator on each tire is a bit more expensive, we will probably only see the technology in luxury vehicles.
A hot candidate for this is the group’s 7 series, which is available as an electric or hybrid variant. It is not yet known exactly when BMW will bring the technology to market. In any case, the Munich-based company is thinking of a creative way to make electric models even more attractive and sustainable.
Also interesting:
