Three years after presenting their first hypercar named the Shūl, Vazirani Automotive from India presented the Ekonk – an electric hypercar that claims to be the lightest EV in the world. To be precise, the single-seater weighs 738 kg (1,627 lbs) while producing 722 hp (538 kW / 732 PS).
If you are wondering how it is possible for a battery-equipped electric car to weigh significantly less than a Mazda MX-5 (1,058 kg / 2,332 lb), the answer lies in “DiCo”, an innovative battery cooling technology.
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As reported by Top Gear, founder Chunky Vazirani claims that this technology is inspired by “biomimicry” and some “ancient Indian manufacturing techniques”. All we can get from the official video is that the battery modules are air-cooled instead of liquid-cooled, mimicking the way humans and animals regulate their body temperatures. Still, there is no word on battery capacity, charging times, or the estimated range.
The Ekonk was named after the world for the Big Bang or “the beginning of the divine light” in Indian scriptures. Despite using electric motors, its character is,according to Vazirani, “as mechanical and as pure as an electric car can be”. The hypercar was tested at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAC) in Mumbai, achieving a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.54 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph).
Design-wise, the Ekonk looks quite aerodynamic with a slim body made of carbon fiber. The wheel arches are protruding from the bodywork, with the low-positioned nose featuring an LED strip. The driver sits at the right side of the car protected only by a roll bar since there is no windshield or roof. At the back, the long tail incorporates four horizontal LED strips and also works as a diffuser.
For the time being, no timeframe was given regarding the Ekonk entering production. From the official video below it is understood that Vazirani Automotive is open to collaborations with other manufacturers, with its founder, Chunky Vazirani, stating that “This technology is for us to share with the world, for a smoother future”.