La maximum autonomy possible is one of the main objectives of any brand that manufactures electric cars. It is not all about using a large battery, since it shoots up costs and also weight, but optimizing the vehicle as much as possible and minimizing drag. Aerodynamics is essential, as he intends to show the Volkswagen ID.7.
As pointed the german brand, the VW ID.7 is the most aerodynamic model of the ID range that they have created. It is not something that surprises us, because it is the first with a saloon silhouette, which is the most efficient in this regard. But they take heart out of it and explain to us some keys that will allow you to overcome the 700 kilometers on a single charge, at least in the approved data.
Aerodynamics is key to efficiency
Volkswagen says that in sedans the body shape It influences 50% of the final result of the aerodynamic drag coefficient. Meanwhile, the wheels represent 30%, the low 10% and the air ducts front towards the radiators are responsible for the remaining 10%.
The vast majority of vehicles begin their development and design phase using CAD (computer aided design). After collecting thousands of data and adjusting all the details, calculating in turn the airflow values, it goes to the wind tunnel. "We enter the wind tunnel only when the design is stable. This can take a year and a half from the start of development”. But they don't do it with a real model.
From the computer to the wind tunnel to optimize the Volkswagen ID.7 to the maximum
First they use clay models of the original size, where there are usually slight differences with the data obtained on the computer, returning to polishing more and more millimeter details. In addition, aspects such as the mirrors, the door handles or the rear area of the body are being modified.
All this work, which takes months and months, together with the closed lower fairings, the design of the rims, the active front cooling openings and the shape of the tailgate have allowed the Volkswagen ID.7 to obtain a drag coefficient of 0,23, with a front area of 2,46 square meters.
Source - Volkswagen
