A prototype of the “far-fetched” electronic car being produced in the backstreets of Nadur will be on the road in less than a year, according to the visionary entrepreneur behind the project.
“We are a lot closer than many of our critics think. The technology is mostly in place, we’re just putting the pieces together,” said Jonathon Grech, CEO of renewable energy firm Silex Power.
Mr Grech also announced the company’s next project – a more affordable consumer car using the same energy solutions as the high-end model.
“We are in talks with the Government to set up shop in Malta. We want to produce the high-end model and the lower-end variations here and put Malta on the automotive map.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from some major players overseas. This is going to be a reality very soon,” said Mr Grech.
The luxury executive car, Chreos EV, first hit the headlines last February when the innovative power solutions company told Fox News it would be able to travel up to 1,000 kilometres on just 10 minutes’ charge, “cruising” at a speed of 125 kilometres an hour.
By comparison, the Tesla Model S, considered the current market leader, needs over 60 minutes of charging for a range of less than 500 kilometres.
“We have technologies that can drastically change the perception of electronic cars. The major concerns were obviously range and ‘charge time’ – we have almost addressed both,” said Mr Grech.
Prototypes of electronic cars that reach distances of up to 1,000 kilometres have been screeching around American test tracks for several months, but the real challenge facing the Chreos was providing a quick and reliable charging system.
Mr Grech said Silex Power’s renewable energy systems had played a pivotal role in solving the conundrum.
“We took technology currently used in our solar panels and inverted them. It’s quite straightforward really,” said Mr Grech.
The technology, known as a Hypercharger, is being co-developed by a “top secret” company overseas and will deliver an astounding 1.5 megawatts, doing in 10 minutes what takes a conventional domestic power outlet more than 30 hours.
“We needed to make it as convenient as filling your tank at a petrol station and we’re getting close,” said Mr Grech.
For the Chreos design team, convenience is king, and Mr Grech disclosed some of the car’s exclusive gadgetry.
“The intuitive technology will not only adjust acceleration to suit specific corners, but the car will drive itself to charging stations and recommend restaurants and hotels based on the driver’s preferences and online searches. It’s an executive car, so it will offer solutions to suit executive needs,” said Mr Grech.
The car’s alignment system, based on experimental new technology, will also allow charging to begin and end with no human interaction.
The Gozitan project boasts an automotive pedigree, as several of its local designers and engineers had previously installed technology for Ford and even designed technology for Formula One’s McLaren.
“We have a great team and this is reflected in the progress we’ve made. We even head-hunted designers from Lamborghini to mould the Chreos’s distinctive body. It’s hard not to be excited,” said Mr Grech.