Solid-state Estrema Fulminea hypercar claims 0-320km/h in under 10 seconds
Another day, another multi-million dollar electric hypercar concept. But behind the ludicrous power, performance and price-tag, the Estrema Fulminea claims a very interesting point of difference: solid-state batteries.
The Italian startup – founded only last year – claims it will be the first to use a “hybrid” battery pack combining lithium-ion solid-state cells and ultra-capacitors.
Estrema claims this 100kWh pack powers an electric motor at each of the Fulminea’s wheels, producing 1500kW and a 0-320km/h time in under ten seconds. The 100km/h sprint should be covered in about two-seconds, and top speed limited to around 350km/h. Hyper.
$3 million baby
The Modena-based brand says there will be an initial production of 61 all-wheel-drive two-seat Fulmineas. They’ll cost 1.96million Euros a pop, or a smidge over $3million.
With a proposed launch date in the second-half of 2023 – not far away at all – Estrema is trying to get the jump on mainstream manufacturers promising solid state batteries in their production EVs later this decade, including BMW and Toyota. There are no solid-state battery EVs on the market at present.
Solid state batteries use solid materials – often a special plastic – rather than liquid electrolyte. Positives include having higher energy density and thus more driving range for the same size battery pack.
Estrema claims its hybrid battery pack can charge from 10% – 80% in less than 15 minutes using a rapid DC charger, and offers a 520-kilometres WLTP range. The “high-performance super-battery” pack’s hybrid nature means a weight of only 300kg, helping the hypercar achieve an expected 1500kg overall mass – relatively lightweight for an electric hypercar.
Beating current battery tech
Upping the ante, we’re told the ultra-capacitors have “the highest specific power on the market”. Prepare yourself for the science here. Matched with the lithium-ion solid-state cells, Estrema and ABEE Group (the Belgian company which developed the solid state cells) claim there’s “an unparalleled energy density of 500 Wh/kg or 1.2 kWh/l which represents an increase of between 50% and 100% compared to current battery technology.”
We’re told the two different types of cells are housed in separate high-strength battery packs with carbon fibre shells. The solid-state cells live behind the seats and, for regenerative braking purposes, the ultra-capacitors are on the front axle.
Worry not, there’s plenty of more familiar supercar/hypercar bits to feast on too. The stunning body design – it is from Modena, after all – is of lightweight carbon fibre construction, boasts active aero, butterfly doors, OZ wheels with carbon fibre covers and cameras to replace rear view mirrors.
The design was apparently inspired by rapid and slippery animals, including the peregrine falcon, cheetah, sailfish and shark. Not only that, the body is “reminiscent of a woman’s elegant, sinuous and attractive hourglass silhouette.” Don’t ever change, Italy.
So, can Automobili Estrema deliver on these lofty promises? Only time will tell, but its team has some heavy hitters from the automotive world – including CEO Gianfranco Pizzuuto, who in 2007 was first investor and co-founder of Fisker Automotive. Even so, that 2023 launch date looks very close indeed.
