AP Racing braking system chosen for UK’s first electric hypercar

The UK’s first ever British electric hypercar, the Lotus Evija, will feature a braking system from Coventry-based AP Racing.

AP Racing boasts an extensive pedigree in the design of high-performance braking systems for both motorsport and high-performance road cars. This made the company an appropriate partner when Lotus was seeking brake calipers for the Evija, which can reach speeds in excess of 200mph.

The forged calipers being supplied to Lotus have been designed to minimise weight without compromising on performance – a key consideration in all electric vehicles.

The calipers incorporate AP Racing’s patented asymmetric design, whereby the deflected shape of the caliper under brake torque and pressure loading is optimised to reduce volumetric consumption – effectively the brake pedal travel.

They are the forerunners of a brand new range of forged performance calipers  which will be launched later this year. The front calipers weigh around 7kg including brake pads – significantly lighter than other products offering equivalent performance.

Phil Jackson, key account engineer at AP Racing, explained: “We have worked with both Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering who are responsible for the powertrain on the Evija, for many years, and were delighted that they came straight to AP Racing when seeking forged calipers for their first EV hypercar.

“While relatively light by hypercar standards (1,680kg), the Evija boasts some of the highest speed and deceleration profiles of any vehicle seen to date, so a high-performance solution was needed.”

“Our near net forging process allows the removal of excess weight, to keep machining time down to a minimum while optimising strength and performance. This means we have been able to provide a caliper which can deliver the rapid deceleration required, with optimum consistency in pedal travel – which is vital for the driver to be able to trust the braking system.”

Just 130 examples of the Lotus Evija will be built, with full production beginning in 2020. Testing will commence later this year.

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