Revealed for the first time, the MUTE is the collaborative effort of 20 different departments of the Technische Universität München (Munich Technical University).
The primary aim was to create an all-electric, mass-produced vehicle at a cost comparable to a conventional combustion engine – without sacrificing driving dynamics or safety.
A sporty two-seater, the MUTE incorporates an exceptionally light weight of 500 kg (400 body, 100 battery pack), a sophisticated active suspension and a torque vectoring system. Its exceptionally low weight, thanks to an aluminum frame and a carbon fibre chassis, skinny wheels clad with low-rolling resistance tires and a lithium-ion battery pack guarantee a range of at least 100 km, with an additional reserve zinc-air battery.
Any handling compromise caused by the narrow wheels was offset by adjusting suspension and damping, resulting in an ISO Lane Change test that surpassed many conventional vehicles.
Extensive work went into the suspension and spring load, to ensure that the difference in passenger weight didn't adversely affect the ride characteristics of such a lightweight vehicle.
The torque vectoring system distributes force evenly between the rear wheels, as well as recouping energy lost through braking, which is then fed back into the battery. If needed, the electronic stability system can activate front disc brakes as well.
Despite the electric motor's comparatively low output of 15kW, the lightweight MUTE can reach speeds of 120 km/h. A high-strength carbon fibre passenger cell combined with ESP ensure that the MUTE fulfills all the safety requirements of a conventional vehicle.
The primary aim was to create an all-electric, mass-produced vehicle at a cost comparable to a conventional combustion engine – without sacrificing driving dynamics or safety.
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| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |
A sporty two-seater, the MUTE incorporates an exceptionally light weight of 500 kg (400 body, 100 battery pack), a sophisticated active suspension and a torque vectoring system. Its exceptionally low weight, thanks to an aluminum frame and a carbon fibre chassis, skinny wheels clad with low-rolling resistance tires and a lithium-ion battery pack guarantee a range of at least 100 km, with an additional reserve zinc-air battery.
Any handling compromise caused by the narrow wheels was offset by adjusting suspension and damping, resulting in an ISO Lane Change test that surpassed many conventional vehicles.
Extensive work went into the suspension and spring load, to ensure that the difference in passenger weight didn't adversely affect the ride characteristics of such a lightweight vehicle.
The torque vectoring system distributes force evenly between the rear wheels, as well as recouping energy lost through braking, which is then fed back into the battery. If needed, the electronic stability system can activate front disc brakes as well.
Despite the electric motor's comparatively low output of 15kW, the lightweight MUTE can reach speeds of 120 km/h. A high-strength carbon fibre passenger cell combined with ESP ensure that the MUTE fulfills all the safety requirements of a conventional vehicle.
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