An electric or hybrid vehicle is provided with a downforce system having a restrictor for restricting flow of air into a region defined at least in part by the restrictor and a ground surface on which the vehicle is disposed with a rim on the restrictor forming at least a partial seal with the ground surface. A dedicated pressure source is provided outside the restrictor and connected to it via an air flow path so as to generate a pressure differential across the restrictor; The vehicle also has an energy store, such as a battery, configured to power both the pressure source and a traction system of the vehicle. An auxiliary energy store may be provided as part of a safety shutdown system to provide power to the pressure source in the event of a failure. The system may have a dust and debris removal system, and a preload system providing a preload force to press the rim to the ground. A control method is also provided.
Downforce system for a vehicle
15.03.2023
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch