Delta launches Autonomous Electric Vehicle Platform

Silverstone-based Delta Motorsport will launch its autonomous-capable electric vehicle test best known as the Delta S2 flexible vehicle platform near Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire.

The Delta S2 is an aluminium skateboard-style chassis engineered to allow for complete flexibility in vehicle length, width, ride height and wheelbase. Its brain is Delta's highly flexible platform master controller (PMC) which enables rapid and low-risk development of new vehicle configurations.

Delta's PMC accommodates an almost infinite range of drive, steering and braking system configurations, also taking control of interfaces with the battery system, charger and all other ancillary high voltage components. Integrated within the PMC is Delta's vehicle dynamics control capability, which offers benefits from simple traction control right up to electronic stability programme (ESP) capability.

“Many companies are developing the artificial intelligence required for autonomous vehicles, but they do not necessarily have a vehicle capable of delivering their vision,” said Simon Dowson, Managing Director of Delta. “The flexibility of the S2 chassis and the integration of the platform master controller allows the delivery of multiple configurations quickly and at low cost.”

In addition to the new S2 flexible vehicle platform, Delta will also have its catalytic generator and battery modules on display. The Delta catalytic generator produces 35kW of electrical power and is relevant for a wide range of applications.

“Its low weight, compact size and near-zero-emissions make it ideal for use as an automotive range extender,” said Nick Carpenter, Engineering Director at Delta. “Even using gasoline as a fuel, the optimised operation point and catalytic reaction give competitive efficiency with near-zero NOx, CO and particulates.”

Delta can also develop its catalytic generator system to suit a wide range of fuels from diesel to hydrogen. It's simple to integrate and by using parts familiar to the existing automotive supply chain enables low cost at high volume.

Delta's experience in all aspects of battery system engineering allows it to deliver solutions for a wide range of high-power applications, from 48-volt mild hybrid technology to 1,000-volt hypercar systems for demanding low volume vehicles. Its experience in cell characterisation and thermal management ensures optimum performance in any environment.