We have hoped – and lost hope so many times – that a true alternative to combustion engines will emerge in our lifetime. One that will put the demon of fossil fuel to bed forever, so we can start reversing global warming. Piëch Automotive has made some astounding claims about their electric car at the Geneva Motor Show. Shall we find out more?
Who is Behind the Piëch Automotive Upstart?
Wikipedia was frustratingly brief, but we’ll do our best. Anton Piëch is the son of Ferdinand Piëch, former CEO of the Volkswagen Group and the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. He founded Swiss electric car manufacturer Piëch Automotive with industrial designer Rea Stark Rajcic in August 2017.
They launched their first electric car, the GT Mark Zero (or Mk0) at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Their vehicle has a modular approach to software and hardware. Hence they can adapt to different batteries without changing the body shell. The concept car has three 150 kW motors, one asynchronous at the front and two synchronous at the rear. Thus we have a total 600hp which is a great start.
What Is GT Mark Zero’s Claim to Fame?
The Verge says the Piëch Automotive GT Mark Zero battery will recharge to 80% in less than five minutes”. Is that preposterous or a breakthrough, dare we dream? Anton Piëch explained to The Verge as follows:
“The special type of cell hardly heats up during charging or discharging phases. Significantly higher currents can flow as the cell temperature rises only marginally.
In addition to conventional CSC charging, the fast charging mode allows for a sensationally short charging time of only 4:40 minutes to 80% battery capacity with an exceptionally high recuperation rate.”
And the performance? Judging by appearances, the GT Mark Zero has super car performance. Driving range is 311 miles. That’s all we know for now.
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Preview Image: Anton Piëch and Rea Stark Rajcic Reveal GT Mark Zero
