The sleek Quant electric sports limousine on display at the Geneva Car Show uses a new electric propulsion system that its makers say represents a "quantum leap" in electro-mobility.
The four-seater, gull-wing prototype has been built by the Nano-Flowcell AG company based in Liechtenstein. There are no conventional battery packs under the bodywork but four rechargeable so-called flow batteries - a cross between an accumulator and a fuel cell.
Power for the electric drivetrain is generated by pumping chemicals dissolved in liquid electrolyte through the system. The solutions circulate in their own respective spaces separated by a membrane and react, providing a flow of current.
Four electric motors are fitted to the car with a maximum power output of more than 650 horsepower.
Quant's makers say the concept can cover 600 kilometres before the twin tanks need to be replenished with electrolyte. The fuelling procedure is no more time-consuming than filling up with petrol or diesel.
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According to the company, the technology in Geneva represents a breakthrough because flow battery cells based on the principle have until now been too heavy and energy conversion rates too sluggish for use in mobile applications.
The technology is already deployed for energy management of solar and wind-powered technical systems.
