In its day, the Seicento Elettra was the only rear wheel drive Fiat. Power was from a three-phase alternating current asynchronous electric motor. Mechanically and electrically simpler and, therefore, more reliable than a direct current motor, this was a very compact and light solution. This made it possible to place the motor itself at the rear of the car, under the floorpan.
The electric drive system of the vehicle consists of the following main components:
- Energy storage system (traction batteries)
- BM (Battery Monitor)
- Electric motor
- Inverter with VMU (Vehicle Management Unit)
- Power socket and cable (for charging from mains)
- Battery charger
- DC/DC converter
- Electrical power system
The energy storage system accumulates and delivers the electrical power requested by the traction system of the vehicle. The energy storage system consists of the traction batteries, the electronic battery monitor (BM), protection and control devices, cooling fans and, as an option, a battery heater.
The traction battery pack is made up of 18 individual lead battery modules of 12V-55 Ah each, connected in series to deliver a total rated voltage of 216V.
Unlike conventional batteries with liquid electrolyte, the batteries equipping the Seicento Elettra are gel type units, where the electrolyte consists of a solution of sulphuric acid and silica gel.
Each module has an integrated electronic device which monitors and optimises charging parameters to ensure that the charging conditions of the battery pack charge are equalised effectively.
The battery modules are maintenance-free and are sealed, with a safety valve on each individual cell. These batteries offer the same tried and tested reliability as the normal lead acid batteries currently in use.
The battery pack has a rated charge capacity of 12kWh.
While the overall weight of the battery pack with the relative battery mounts is approximately 450 kg, this has been distributed evenly along the entire length of the car to optimise weight distribution and improve driveability, handling and safety.
Donated by Eng. Migliorero
