This week, Rolls-Royce is putting their 102EX electric car to the test in the MIRA research facility. It will be subjected to lab-controlled heat and humidity tests to figure out how these extreme conditions will affect battery performance.
Once that’s done, the 102EX will embark on a global tour that will take it to the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America.
“We are clear that the battery management system, which maintains safety and optimal operation of individual cells, will inhibit charging at extreme temperatures”, says Andrew Martin, 102EX chief engineer. “Practically speaking, this may mean finding locations in which the car’s cells can cool after test drives before a re-charge can begin”.
According to the tests performed so far, the car’s cells will operate in temperatures as high as 50°C (122°F) and in relative humidity as low as 30%.
The 102EX’s tour actually started last May with appearances at events close to Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood hometown. In early July, the car will depart for the following regions:
Asia-Pacific: Singapore and Bejing (late July and early August)
North America: Pebble Beach, Los Angeles (August 16 to 21)
Europe: Regional tour (September)
Asia-Pacific: Japan (last week of September)
Middle East: Dubai (October)
North America: New York, Los Angeles Auto Show, Las Vegas, Florida (November and early December)
