NanoFlow Readies Low-Volt EV

Lichtenstein-based NanoFlowcell AG plans to complete a feasibility study of its unique Quantino electric car later this year with hopes of starting small-batch production in the near future.

The three-year-old company will introduce an updated version of the vehicle, which combines aspects of an electrochemical accumulator and a fuel cell stack in a low-voltage system, next month at the Geneva auto show. The original concept debuted at last year’s event.

Powered by four 25-kW electric motors, the 48-volt Quantino produces a combined 108 hp and has an estimated driving range of 620 miles. Top speed is listed at 125 mph.

So-called redox “flow cell” chemical batteries were developed in the 1970s as part of an energy storage system for NASA’s space program. They currently are used in solar and wind power installations.

NanoFlow claims its technology is more durable (up to 10,000 charging cycles with no loss of performance) and has five times the energy capacity of current lithium-ion batteries.

The flow cell is split in half by a membrane, with a positively charged electrolyte flowing through one side and a negatively charged fluid through the other. Ion exchange takes place through the membrane to generate an electric current.

The car is equipped with two 46-gallon tanks, one for the positively charged electrolyte and one for the negative electrolyte. The fluids, usually metallic salts in aqueous solution, evaporate as they are used. Both tanks can then be refueled simultaneously via a special two-pronged nozzle that dispenses the oppositely charged fluids.

NanoFlow says it has increased the charge density of the fluids with what it describes as the use of “quantum-chemical nano-mechanisms.” The system has an internal energy efficiency rate of more than 80%, according to the company.

Noting that the fluids involved aren’t flammable or toxic, NanoFlow says they potentially could be dispensed at traditional fuel stations retrofitted with special pumps.

In addition to the Quantino, the company also will display its Quant FE concept sports car at the Geneva show. The high-powered 2+2 model uses the same flow cell technology but is configured to produce more than 1,000 hp.

More details about the unusual system are available at the company's Web site.