Illuminati Motor Works Seven

Illuminati Motor Works Seven is a prototype of a 4-passenger battery electric vehicle.^[1] It was handcrafted by Illuminati Motor Works (IMW), and placed second in the mainstream class of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE with a combined rating of 119.8 MPGe.^[2] It has since achieved an EPA rating of 207 MPGe when tested at the Chrysler proving grounds through funding provided by the X PRIZE foundation and the US Department of Energy^[3] and now surpasses the MPGe of all three winning vehicles of the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.

Illuminati Motor Works Seven
Overview
Manufacturer	Illuminati Motor Works
Production	Prototype 2007 - present
Model years	2010
Assembly	United States: Divernon, Illinois
Designer	Kevin Smith and Josh Spradlin
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size
Body style	4-door Gull-wing
Layout	Front motor, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motor	MES DEA 200-330 AC induction motor
Transmission	1-speed fixed gear
Battery	32 kWh LiFePo4 lithium ion
Electric range	200+ mi (207 MPGe)
Dimensions
Length	5,334 mm (210 in)
Curb weight	1,320 kg (2,911 lb)

Illuminati Motor Works

Illuminati Motor Works is a volunteer group of mostly self-funded automotive enthusiasts, engineers, technicians, and artists located in Central IL. Kevin Smith (Team Leader/Engineer), Nate Knappenburger (Electronics Technician), Jen Danzinger (Graphic Artist/ Web Liaison), Josh Spradlin (Graphic Designer/Parts Hound/ Fabricator), Nick Smith (Master Craftsman), Thomas Pasko (Master Automotive Technician), and George Kennedy (Engineer) comprised the core team at the Progressive Automotive XPRIZE.^[4][5]

Design

Seven's design emphasizes aerodynamics and is constructed of hand-sculpted foam and fiberglass over a steel frame. In 2013 the body was re-sculpted and molds were created. New body panels were constructed from carbon fiber and Kevlar. It utilizes recycled and off-the-shelf components including a 32 kW hour battery pack (99 Thundersky 100 amp hour lithium iron phosphate cells with 3.2 nominal voltage), a MES DEA 200-330 electric induction motor, modified 1997 Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift transmission, Mazda Miata windshield, and more.^[6]

Performance statistics

Post competition performance statistics are as follows:

• Top Speed: 130 MPH^[6]
• Range: 200+ Miles^[6]
• Miles Per Gallon equiv.(MPGe): 207.5^[3]
• Lateral Acceleration: 0.87g^[6]
• 0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.2 seconds^[6]
• Accident Avoidance: 48.32 MPH^[6]

Awards

• 2014 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix ^[7]
• 2014 1st in Class (Exhibition) - 2014 Toyota Green Grand Prix ^[7]
• 2013 Best in Class (Other) - 12th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival^[8]
• 2013 3rd Place EVCCON 1/8 mile drag race ^[8]

Elimination from Automotive XPrize

Seven was eliminated from the knockout round of the Progressive Automotive XPrize for failure to achieve 0-60 MPH acceleration within 15 seconds.^[5] This was due to a slipping clutch which had already reduced the vehicle's efficiency to 119.8 MPGe on the track.^[9][10][11]