POWER TRAIN


The gearbox has been removed and the motor connects to the transfer box


means the original registration plates can be retained, and it can also help with legislation when putting the vehicle back on the road.


PROPRIETARY CONTROL SYSTEM Although the company utilises industry leading OEM batteries and motors, the power electronics control system required to tie everything together was not available off-the- shelf, so the decision was made to develop a bespoke system in-house. Bolt continues, “The vehicle control unit (VCU) is the lifeblood of all of the systems, including torque delivery, charging control, chassis systems and ancillaries like the HVAC. The underlying control system is the same for any vehicle we build, but is tuned to the unique specification required.”


INTEGRATION OF EXISTING SYSTEMS A large part of getting everything


8 www.engineerlive.com


running smoothly is the integration of the existing mechanical systems with the new electronics. For example, the VCU uses a dual potentiometer attached to the accelerator pedal to govern speed. Although this


model left the factory with no power steering, for ease-of-use an electronic upgrade has been installed, and a new vacuum pump operates the servo, also controlled by the VCU. It’s all managed according


The original drum brake system is replaced with modern discs


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