Fantasy Junction

Description

2020 Lightmile Electric Cobra

VIN – CA8689177
Exterior Color – Blue
Interior Color – Black
Power – Twin SME Hyper 9 Electric Motors
Transmission – Tremec T-5 Manual with Continental W-897 Silent Sync timing belt
Current Miles –1,034 miles
Owner Purchase – Built by current owner

General Overview

Unless you’ve been in hibernation for the past 60 years, it’s impossible to resist the dominance of the iconic 427 Cobra. Critical to their ongoing success years after release, numerous post-original Cobras have been built, driven, and modified in keeping with the spirit of Shelby American. As the ultimate example of one of the greatest American sports/competition cars ever constructed, every Cobra offers tribute to the masterful marketing, "no guts-no glory engineering”, and jaw-dropping performance of the original. And while performance enthusiasts have searched long and hard for the ideal power package to challenge the 427 mystique, at least one determined privateer has stepped up to create a truly novel take on this icon of performance.

History and Build Details for this Cobra

Designed and fabricated at “Flying Moose” Carl Bass’ (former CEO and CTO of Autodesk) state-of-the-art shop in Berkeley, CA, the development group included Gary Wayne, Cornell educated Aerospace engineer, expert in renewable energy, and motorsports enthusiast, along with a host of other experts in these combined fields. Based on the Factory Five MKIV Cobra and inspired by Jeff McCabe’s electric racer, development required unique design and fabrication for nearly all powertrain parts including battery cases, motor and controller mounts, cooling plates, combiner box and high current bus bars, along with extensive use of digital performance analysis tools – all of which were provided by Autodesk’s Fusion 360 solid modeling system operated by the expert team at “Flying Moose”.

The project began with a new Factory Five Mk IV body and frame with selected components retained for the vintage quality of the original Cobra design while incorporating the latest in electric driveline and battery technology using custom fabrication and structural reinforcement as needed. The resultant completed eCobra offers standard cable charging, 75-100 mile cruising range, and numerous sub-systems engineered for durability and safety.

Power choices and driveline components were critically evaluated before selecting two parallel Hyper 9 IS AC motors synched with a Continental W-897 Silent Sync timing belt. Though most electric car applications are constructed without a traditional transmission, a manual transmission was selected with a nod to the performance history offering both rapid acceleration and top speed using any of the 5 speeds in the traditional Tremec transmission. The eCobra runs at 128 Vdc attaining peak power at 3,800 RPM. In town driving can be executed primarily in 2nd gear with most highway driving comfortable in 4th gear. Depressing the clutch is only required for more high-performance driving results.

Electrical energy for traction is stored in eight LG Chem lithium-ion modules. Each module contains sixteen individual cells wired in series, each of which provide 2.6kWh of energy storage and are rated at 200-400 amps continuous and 800 amps maximum discharge. The modules produce between 52.8V and 67.2V depending on their level of charge. To match the voltage required by the paired motors, two modules are linked in series within “battery boxes” to provide 128Vdc (nominal). The four battery boxes, two in front and two in the rear (for optimal weight distribution), are connected in parallel at the “contactor” box to provide 1,600 amps of continuous power. Total weight for the eCobra is just 2,600 lbs with a 50/50 weight balance and 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds and 135 mph top speed.
Each motor has a dedicated controller which performs several important functions:

DC/AC Conversion: The main function of the controller is to convert the DC power from the high-voltage battery system (“HV”) into the 3-phase AC signal used by the motors.

Regenerative Braking: Under braking, the controllers convert kinetic energy into DC power fed back into the HV batteries to increase range and reduce brake wear.

Motor Coordination: The two controllers communicate via a CAN bus network to stay in sync. The upper controller controls system operation and is designated the “primary” unit while the lower unit is directed by the lower controller and is designated as the “secondary” unit.

Input Management: Signals, such as the throttle position and brake pressure sensor are gathered by the primary controller and used to adjust motor torque and regenerative braking.

Fault Management: The controllers continually sample internal motor and controller temperature, RPM, shaft position, network status and other conditions and generate several levels of warnings. Some warnings are merely informational while critical errors “block” the motors from operating.

Output Display: Each controller has a dedicated display that shows important information such as controller/motor status, RPM, etc.
Performance Limits: Performance limits, such as maximum power and power reduction as a function of motor temperature are programmable via a Windows-based application via a serial line connection.

Onboard Charger: Most EVs include an on-board charger so that the car can be charged from an external AC source. The on-board charger converts the AC current to DC and sends it to the HV batteries.

Charge Port: The eCobra uses SAE 11772 WV 5-pin charging standard which can connect to standard household NEMA 5-15 outlets. Charging cord is connected via the traditional flip cap on the rear fender. Proximity sensors provide a signal to prevent driving away while still connected to the EV charging cable.

Charger Controller: The eCobra uses the Thunderstruck Electric Vehicle Charge Controller (“EVCC”). The EVCC; i) which communicates between the onboard charger and the external AC power supply to establish the proper charging voltage and current, ii) halts charging when the batteries are fully charged and iii) sends a signal to the power electronics to disable the motors when the charging cable is still plugged in.

Cooling System: At peak load, the electric motors produce 160 kW of power. Even though the motors, controllers and batteries have a combined efficiency above 90%, 15 kW of heat is generated at max power. To protect the HV system from overheating and to extend battery life, the batteries and controllers are actively water cooled. An electric pump circulates coolant between the radiator and cooling plates attached below each of the battery boxes and controllers. For around-town driving, running the pump and cooling fan is not necessary.

Battery Management System: Lithium battery output voltage varies as a function of state of charge (“SOC”). The higher the voltage, the more energy remains in the batteries. Typical lithium-ion cell voltage vs. depth of discharge is shown below. Therefore, all electric cars use a battery management system (“BMS”) to monitor and protect every cell in the system.

Auxiliary Battery: The eCobra’s headlights, horn, fan, pump, etc., use a compact 12-volt battery for power.

DC/DC Converter: The eCobra is designed without an alternator. Instead, a DC-DC down converts power from the high-voltage system to charge the low-voltage battery.

Condition Overview

Today this eCobra presents in beautiful condition. The captivating wide fender flares and muscular stance are perfectly matched to this beautifully finished Cobra. Finished in traditional metallic blue, the paint is glossy and smooth with no notable flaws in the Factory five body. The clean design reflects all the power and performance of the original accentuating the curves and undulations of the epic 427 bodywork. The exterior trim, grille surround, polished aluminum fuel filler, quick jack points, and traditional Cobra side vents deliver a refreshingly correct factory appearance while concealing some of the most advanced electric drive technology available today. The lights, lenses, and windshield are in excellent condition while the absence of calf-scorching side pipes is refreshing and adds to the clean profile. A set of Nitto 245/45ZR17 tires are mounted to 17” modern versions of traditional Halibrand wheels with cast knockoffs, which contribute to the perfect performance stance.

The interior captures the essence of the original Cobra with a combination of vintage details including lightened foot pedals, leather retaining straps for the door hinges, vintage style gauges, a wood rimmed steering wheel, low profile bucket seats, and five-point seat Simpson seat belt harness. The center console features the traditional 5-speed gear shift handle and lever arm emergency brake contrasted with modern digital screen voltage and power readouts.

The engine compartment is expertly finished though more reflective of a NASA level space program engineering than a traditional sports car. The twin motors are housed in alloy casings while the front radiator offers ample and effective water cooling for the heat energy generated by the powertrain. Protective wiring and carefully marked component systems make for easy reference and system monitoring as needed. The trunk offers space for small luggage and features easily accessible electric components as part of the drive and battery system.

The underside of the car reflects essentially new construction including independent rear suspension with coil over shocks, central driveshaft to the rear differential, coil over A-arm front suspension, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and a ladder-type tubular frame, all of which are in excellent condition.

Included with this Cobra

This eCobra is accompanied by extensive reference notes, owner's manual, operational specifications, various spare mechanical parts, Factory Five emblems, spare electrical parts, specially made tools for service needs, and a Factory Five assembly manual. Digital assets include numerous build photos, Arduino gauge codes, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, manuals for all internal systems, and numerous technical specs for various accessories.

This is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the most innovative packages of modern technology blended with the iconic Cobra design and performance history. Tested and proven for more than 1,000 miles, this Lightmile eCobra is ready to electrify even the most ardent gas-burning enthusiast with a bolt of lightning charged for the future.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608