Developers to Unveil Liquid-Battery-Powered Sport Coupe

NanoFlowcell AG will debut its latest low-voltage concept car, the Quantino, next week at the Geneva auto show. The Liechtenstein-based company claims the small car can achieve a top speed of 124 mph and travel 620 miles per charge.

Measuring slightly less than 13 feet in length, the 2+2 electric is propelled by four 25-kW electric motors that make a combined 136 hp.

The motors, mounted inboard at the front and rear axles, are powered by NanoFlowcell's unusual ionic liquid battery that produces high current at a golfcart-like 48 volts.

The system consists of two 175-liter (46-gallon) tanks, one with a positive charge and one with a negative charge. The electrolytes, which are separated by a membrane, flow through a cell, exchanging charges to release energy.

NanoFlowcell presented the technology at the Geneva show last year when it debuted the gullwing Quant e-Sportlimousine. The company says that car will go into production this year.

The NanoFlowcell battery is recharged by replacing its discharged electrolytes. Refueling time is similar to that of a conventional piston-powered car, according to the company. It has been vague about how or where an owner would find the necessary electrolytes to charge the car.