A consortium of British automotive and technology companies has revealed AURA, an all-new electric two-seater sports car demonstrating to the world what electric vehicles of the future could look like.
AURA is a road-legal concept vehicle that features sustainable composite materials, novel battery technology, drivetrain efficiency, and iconic design optimized by aerodynamics. The vehicle has been designed around a unique and cutting-edge human-machine interface (HMI), to connect the driver with the vehicle and its surroundings to eradicate charge point and range fears commonly associated with electric motoring.
A 10” touch center infotainment system and a 5” circular self-leveling display in the middle of the steering wheel are at the heart of the HMI. Using the latest Android Automotive Operating System, Spark EV’s technology has been integrated to demonstrate the next generation of HMI software and apps, including machine learning software that monitors the weather, your driving style, and the environment to provide near-perfect energy optimization mid-journey. This ensures the driver will never run out of electricity unexpectedly or wait on a charge point for longer than is necessary.
On-board energy optimization data from many electric vehicles on the roads today can be up to 100 percent inaccurate as they do not analyze enough data sources outside of the vehicle (such as the weather conditions or location). This can create distrust among users of electric vehicles with range anxiety still being a major barrier the industry needs to overcome.
The vehicle is also connected in real-time to the AURA cloud service, which enables the creation of a digital twin of the vehicle to provide the driver, should they wish, with historical telematics to analyze their driving style of regular routes to maximize range and minimize their impact on the surroundings.
Chris Tingley, CTO of the company behind the HMI system, Conjure, said: “We know there’s huge potential for HMI systems to better connect the driver with the vehicle and their surroundings in the future. Until now, many HMI programmes, software, hardware, and user experience have been developed separately. We believe our approach of developing them as one element is a major steppingstone towards vehicles of the future.”
Justin Ott, CEO and founder of the company behind the energy optimization technology, Spark EV Technology, commented: “To successfully introduce electric vehicles to the masses, we need to make sure they provide drivers with the correct information on how far they can travel on a single charge and eliminate range and charge point anxiety.
“The AURA project has enabled leaders in their respective fields to work together to build a working demonstrator to showcase to the world how the industry can use technology available today to help overcome these barriers.”
AURA is part-funded by the Government’s Office of Low Emission Vehicles through the Niche Vehicle Network. The full vehicle reveal will be at the CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle Show at Millbrook on the 22nd – 23rd September.
with sustainability at its core and efficiency driving its design.
About the AURA project
AURA is a collaborative project with Astheimer, Potenza Technology, Conjure, and BAMD to demonstrate each of the company’s discipline capabilities through the creation of a fully electric long-range, open-top concept car. Using a Spaceframe chassis as the donor platform, Astheimer is developing the exterior and interior design, Potenza Technology the drivetrain and unique twin battery system, Conjure the innovative HMI system, utilizing Spark EV energy optimization technology, and BAMD the sustainable materials for the body panels.
ABOUT SPARK EV TECHNOLOGY
Spark EV Technology, a world leader in energy optimization, is a range prediction specialist that seeks to accelerate EV adoption. Its AI-centric prediction system has been adopted to the vehicle’s onboard HMI system, supplied by Conjure, to provide industry-leading energy optimization to the end-users with data on how far they can travel, accurate to within 0.5 percent of range.
ABOUT ASTHEIMER
Astheimer Design, a studio focused on delivering mobility solutions for a sustainable future, designed the vehicle to coexist with nature. The pure surfaces of the exterior were optimized for drag reduction using CFD, while comprehensive body engineering ensured the vehicle was manufacturable and road legal despite a demanding budget.
ABOUT POTENZA TECHNOLOGY
Potenza Technology, a brand of FPT Industrial, are specialists in the design and build of high-energy battery packs. For this project, a novel twin-pack battery architecture has been developed, controlled by the fifth generation of the Potenza Technology, Battery Management System. Coupled with a direct drive powertrain and a low rolling resistance vehicle setup, the AURA Concept will emphasize leadership in long-range EV development.
ABOUT CONJURE
Conjure, an interface design, innovation, and digital technology company, and a global leader in digital products for the Automotive sector, made use of Android Automotive to deploy their bespoke screen and control layout including a truly unique self-leveling steering wheel display. The purpose-designed UX/UI focuses on the unique attributes of EVs, even delivering live aerodynamic feedback to the driver from sensors embedded in the nose of the vehicle.
ABOUT BAMD
BAMD Composites, pioneers in the manufacturing of high-performance natural fiber composites, sought to lightweight the bodywork through the selective use of innovative BCOMP material. The dark, pigmented weave of the material on the striking rear bumper has been left visible, highlighting that sustainability can be visually aesthetic as well as good for the planet.
