And what other possibilities are there?
Kunsch: There are brake-by-wire systems, for instance, that deliver excellent pedal feedback. This is important if most of the braking is to be done via the electric motors rather than the brake discs.
Schultze: Extensively decoupled brake systems are definitely a trend. I think it soon won’t be necessary to have any hydraulic lines running through the vehicle at all. In terms of handling, torque vectoring systems will also continue to establish themselves. At the Technische Universität München, we’ve already shown a system of this type, which is activated by electrical power alone and delivers a significant improvement in stability. One usage scenario would be to combine this with low-rolling-resistance tires – less friction with the same handling characteristics.
Pint: There was a very interesting execution on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show – the Audi e-tron quattro concept with two electric motors at the rear axle. This can work directly with the traction drives to generate an enormous moment differential, way in excess of the torque-vectoring potential offered by clutch-based systems. The torque can be distributed super-precisely in just a few milliseconds, which we can use to benefit safety on the one hand and driving fun on the other. Torque vectoring makes it possible to offer the driver a very light, agile handling feel with a vehicle that tends to be rather on the heavy side.
Schultze: Electric motors, of course, have extremely fast response characteristics …
Electromobility also offers driving without engine noise. What is your opinion on artificial sound?
Gerling: Over the past century, human beings have gotten used to certain noises – but that’s not a law of nature or anything. It’s quite pleasant to travel quietly.
Pint: Electromobility, the new connectivity products and the possibility of piloted driving all give rise to an extremely pleasant and enjoyable mobility experience. In my opinion, the car is becoming a whole new living space, like a kind of retreat. And electric drive is ideal for this. We don’t want to influence that with artificial sound.
Kerler: I have a little anecdote on this. I gave my godchild a toy car and have managed to teach him that it goes “ssssst” instead of “vroom vroom”. I like the purring of power electronics and electric motors. It sounds so futuristic.
I have one more request. Would you mind rounding off this discussion with your views on what your ideal electric car would be?
Lienkamp: Definitely a second car, a two-seater, low-cost yet agile.
Gerling: I’m already driving my ideal electric car, although I’m not telling you what brand it is.
