Alpine A110 E-ternité: a 100% electric prototype for its 60th anniversary

i want to electrify
Alpine so that it is inscribed in eternity”. This sentence was spoken
Luca de Meo shortly after joining Groupe Renault. The challenge was accepted by
laurent rossiCEO of
Alpine, and brand engineers. In less than a year, a team took up this daring bet and even had the opportunity to build a “semi-convertible”. A110 E-ternité, 100% electric, is the result of this work and comes
celebrate the 60th anniversary of the berlinetta, serving as a link between a legendary past and a 100% electric future. It also illustrates the work that Alpine is carrying out to develop its range of new models.

And as a brand of the Renault group, it was natural to check beforehand what was already available for this project in the bank of components and technologies. Thus, the battery modules are identical to those of the 100% electric Mégane E-Tech. But to obtain an optimal distribution of the masses and accommodate the twelve battery modules, it was necessary to design specific battery boxes for the A110 and to adapt the interior architecture. Four modules were placed at the front and eight at the rear. To meet this challenge, the engineers dared to position these modules in a “non-traditional” way.

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Despite these twelve added modules, the total weight of the Alpine A110 E-ternity remains particularly light, with an increase of only 258 kg thanks to a moderate weight of the battery pack (392 kg).

To optimize both 0 to 100 km/h and top speed, a new gearbox has been added to the Group’s “standard” engine. No gearbox available internally has enabled Alpine engineers to meet the specifications of this A110 E-ternity. It was therefore a question of finding a nice and efficient box, but as light as it was compact.

A dual-clutch version (DCT) with electronic control, as on the thermal A110, but with clutches sized to transmit high engine torque, has been studied internally, with Alpine’s gearbox supplier. The dual-clutch solution allows torque losses while remaining compact and lightweight.

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The Alpine team has also shown ingenuity with the electrical system by merging two electronic architectures. Despite their difference of ten years, the union of this E/E architecture was a success, since it made it possible to retain the functionalities of the thermal A110 while adding new features from the electrical world, such as the “overtaking” function. ” or the possibility that the two batteries communicate. A computer was installed to ensure communication between the two systems. This innovation offers new opportunities for simplification of architectures or continuous improvement throughout the life cycle of the product.

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A110 E-ternité also offers new equipment developed by Alpine engineers. An A110 convertible has been in demand for a long time. Alpine has therefore decided to take on another challenge simultaneously. The difficulty was above all to find the solution to quickly integrate a “semi-cabriolet” option into the structure of the Alpine A110. Alpine engineers have therefore imagined a simple and light solution, without modifying the rigidity of the original A110, with two roof structures in recycled carbon. This item was designed and manufactured entirely in-house.

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Alpine engineering has also put all its efforts into developing a vehicle that is as beautiful as it is efficient. For this, the interior had to reflect it as well. The team thus succeeded in combining the demands of the design office and the needs of the electronic architecture. The solution consisted in the wiring being carried out directly on the dashboard and making it possible to keep the same multimedia calculator. The result lives up to expectations and includes:

A state-of-the-art audio system with eight speakers, including the subwoofer that achieves surround sound through a center speaker in combination with the two new rear speakers. An innovative multimedia system that converts the driver’s personal tablet into the vehicle’s multimedia screen, thus integrating the entire universe and applications of its user. This solution makes it possible to have on board an always up-to-date operating system combined with the latest technologies.

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Finally, lighter and more environmentally friendly, the materials used in
some centerpieces are linen. Thus, a second 100% electric demonstrator was developed in parallel and made it possible to apply this technology to certain body parts such as the bonnet structure, the roof, the rear window, the grille, the seats and the rear valance. the material comes from the company Terre de Lin, located near Dieppe (France). As strong as carbon and with better acoustics, linen is a promising material. This new experience also allows us to prepare for the future. Indeed, the design of the current parts is compatible with the different composite materials. This allows, with the same mould, to produce indiscriminately with carbon fiber, glass or linen.