VANDA ELECTRICS’ DENDROBIUM ELECTRIC HYPERCAR
The Vanda Electrics’ Dendrobium electric hypercar targets a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds.
The Dendrobium two seater all-electric sports car concept, a product of Vanda Electrics, based in Singapore, has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
Specialising in battery technology, research, innovation and design, Vanda Electrics is one of Singapore’s leading e-mobility companies. Its strategy is to develop a range of global electric products that capitalise on the trend towards zero emission mobility and focus on three key segments: luxury, consumer and industrial.
With the launch of a fast-charging zero emission electric light commercial vehicle and electric mini scooter taking place later this year, the company has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to unveil its most exciting model yet, a high performance halo product that will sit in the luxury sector.
A project that has resided within the design team for many years, Dendrobium is finally being realised thanks to the rapid advancements in electrification technology, which allows supercar styling to be combined with high performance, compact e-powertrains.
Vanda Electrics has also engaged a small number of key partners to develop the Dendrobium concept car.
Technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group. The division specialises in a number of core areas that are highly relevant to Dendrobium, including aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle integration and, of course, electrification. Williams Advanced Engineering has taken the project from the design stage to dynamic concept car.
Designed by Vanda’s in-house team, Dendrobium’s shape incorporates an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronized manner, resembling a fully-opened dendrobium flower, a genus of orchids native to Singapore. This unique feature improves access to the cockpit, making ingress and egress easier than other hypercars.
In order to meet its target weight of 1,750kg, Dendrobium features a composite monocoque chassis, carbonfibre body panels, carbon ceramic brake discs and lightweight alloy calipers inside 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin high performance tyres. Carbonfibre is also used extensively in the interior, fitting with Dendrobium’s minimalist but functional design brief.
Although strictly a concept car at this stage, performance targets for Dendrobium are a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds. The project will feature the latest lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain technology calling on Vanda Electrics’ own expertise and that of technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering.
The Grove-based organisation is an electrification world-leader; it is currently the sole battery supplier to Formula E and an electric motor and e-powertrain integration expert thanks to its pioneering F1-bred hybrid systems and its key role in the rapid development of the Jaguar C-X75 supercar.
Should Dendrobium go into production, a layout featuring two inboard-mounted electric motors per axle, with a single-speed gearbox and differential at the front and a multi-speed gearbox and differential at the rear, is envisaged. If Vanda Electrics receives enough positive interest at the Geneva Motor Show, the first model is expected to hit the road by 2020.
