Ronal: Power comes from the wheel
PREMIERE At the Essen Motor Show 2022, Ronal presented the Energy Wheel, which generates energy by means of a generator. The wheel will be used for the first time in the Opel Experimental concept car.
Opel's design study will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich from September 5 to 10. The concept vehicle from the Rüsselsheim company shows the direction in which the brand will develop. This also includes the wheel, which was developed by the Swiss company.
Florian Theis, Chief Designer Future Concepts at Opel, explains the design philosophy that shapes the concept car: "The Opel Experimental shows the next evolutionary stage of our Bold&Pure design language, purist sculptural surfaces combined with technical details. The wheel with its aeroefficient design plays a key role in this."
Customized Opel lightning logo
In the center of the 23-inch wheels in turbine blade look is the hexagonal hub cap with the new Opel lightning logo, which can be illuminated thanks to Ronal's Energy Wheel technology. Not visible from the outside, the center cap hides an LED lighting system with high efficiency. The LEDs are supplied with energy from a rechargeable battery and thus make the Opel emblem glow white.
Generator produces energy
The concept is energy harvesting, i.e. generating energy from the rotational movement of the wheel. A generator produces energy during the ride and stores it in a battery. Maintenance is not required because no batteries need to be replaced and no rechargeable battery needs to be charged. In addition, the wheels of the Opel Experimental feature other special touches. Particularly distinctive is the three-zone design, which has a light blue metallic shimmer and has been matched to the car's color.
Aerodynamically sophisticated
The importance of the wheels' aerodynamics is demonstrated by the closed design and the built-in aero flaps. These ensure efficiency and enable greater range through less air resistance. The aero flaps are made from sustainable natural fibers instead of carbon fibers. The flax fibers have similar properties to carbon fibers, but are much more sustainable due to their natural origin. The technical look of the wheels is rounded off by the design's groove structure, which is extended to the tire.
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