The 2011 Detroit Auto Show has showcased some of the industry’s innovation in the move towards more electric powered cars. Porsche’s 918 RSR Hybrid supercar got significant buzz, and the INIZIO from Li-Ion Motors is getting the same kind of press.
Li-Ion Motors is using the $2.5 million Automotive X-Prize award they won in 2010 and is parlaying that prize into commercializing their fully electric vehicles – including the INIZIO supercar.
A SHOCKING AMOUNT OF POWER
The auto industry is beginning to realize that you can generate as much power with electric batteries and motors as you can with an internal combustion engine. Obviously, if you want to achieve the kind of power the Bugatti Veyron produces, batteries alone won’t do it.
If you’re comfortable enough with an all-electric supercar that can reach 0-100 in 3.4 seconds, then the Li-Ion INIZIO isn’t a bad alternative. The INIZIO comes equipped with 12 batteries and two motors which achieves full charge in about eight hours. The electric supercar is also equipped with a unique kind of transmission as well. The Li-Ion INIZIO supercar has a custom made four speed transmission that has no clutch.
To upshift, the motor shifts paddles with the engine control unit which drops the torque on the motor momentarily to unload the gears. When you come to a stop, the motor ceases to spin, and if you want to go in reverse, the car clicks into first gear and runs backwards.
Li-Ion has confirmed that there will be three different models of the INIZIO supercar selling at different price ranges. The North-Carolina based automaker will sell models for $139,000, $189,000 and $249,000 for the high-end supercar. Deposits are currently being taken for those who want to put a charge into their garages.
