Chinese electric vehicle maker NextEV has ordered VI-grade’s DiM 150 (driver-in-motion) simulator system to test virtually the dynamic behavior of new models at its headquarters in Shanghai. NextEV engineers intend to use the system primarily for studying interactions between vehicle chassis and ADAS and AI algorithms.
In addition to developing Formula E racing cars, NextEV plans to launch an electric supercar with an expected output of more than 1,000kw (1,360hp) at the end of 2016, and a 0 to 62mph/100km/h time of less than three seconds
The 9 degrees-of-freedom DiM platform makes extensive use of VI-grade’s MotionCueing strategy, which uses complex mechanical and physiological optimization logic, as well as of all other software technologies. The DiM concept enables the extension of the motion envelope and the separation of low and high frequency contributions, which makes this type of motion platform particularly suitable for both vehicle dynamics and ride studies, according to its developer.
“At NextEV, our vision is to build a high-performance smart electric vehicle designed for the mobile Internet era” said Jack Cheng, co-founder and executive vice president at NextEV. “We’re looking forward to taking full advantage of the DiM turnkey solution in order to build and market a car that excels in providing an exceptional user experience. We are also expecting to significantly reduce the number of physical prototypes during the development phase thanks to the driving simulator.”