The ie:3, which refers to "inspired efficiency," combines the latest technology in the areas of seating, electronics, interiors and batteries. Johnson Controls’ ie:3 concept car demonstrates a solution to the challenge of packaging an energy storage system in a fully electric B-segment vehicle without compromising comfort. The demonstrator vehicle also features reduced complexity and mass of individual components and innovative materials that create a sense of spaciousness in a small vehicle. The innovations featured in the car are adaptable to markets around the world, are ready for production and available for 2015 model year vehicles and beyond. Innovations and technologies featured in the Johnson Controls ie:3 demonstrator include: Optimizing Human Machine Interface (HMI): Enables vehicle occupants to customize applications to their personal needs. Without having to adjust sitting position, occupants can interact with all operating controls - the multi-touch display, sliding multi-controller, virtual instrument cluster. The electronics in the vehicle are tailored to meet demands of today's smart phone generation for style, operability, convenience and connectivity. Highlights include: • Integrated multi-touch display, easily accessible for driver and passenger. The 9-inch graphic information display increases interaction between occupants and the vehicle • Combiner head-up display, designed as a standalone unit, projects key driver information onto an extendable pane in the driver's field of vision • Virtual instrument cluster, featuring transreflective display technology with high-quality graphics on a 6.5 inch module, displaying data of various driver assistance systems • Sliding multi-controller, setting the functions of the infotainment system • Wireless charging, enabling two mobile devices to be charged wirelessly and safely without adapters or cables Next generation lithium-ion automotive battery: In keeping with the task of designing a compact, yet powerful energy store for this concept car, the company developed an innovative battery system into the floor of the vehicle. The lithium-ion battery in the ie:3 has an electric storage capacity of 23.7 kWh (kilowatt hours) and 216 cells that take up very little room height-wise thanks to their prismatic construction, making it ideal for installation in spaces with height restrictions. The innovative design of the battery concept enables a range of about 100 miles/160 kms per charge. Full battery power is resumed after 6-8 hours of charging. The power pack also offers a high level of system safety and is well protected in the event of an accident. Highlights include: • New hard-case prismatic energy cell • Innovative cooling loop isolated from the battery compartment • Low-profile battery design enabling interior design flexibility • Modular, scalable architecture Flexible space concept The company has significantly reduced the number of components, resulting in decreased vehicle mass, reduced complexity and mass with a flexible seating system, and unique audio system, without compromising safety, comfort or the feeling of luxury. The seating system takes up approximately 25% less space than conventional models. The flexible seating concept is similar to stadium seats that fold up, creating more legroom and storage space. Rather than taking the conventional approach to audio systems by placing speakers in door panels, Johnson Controls installed transmitters concealed in a lightweight headliner, optimizing sound and offering additional design freedom in the door panels Mass reduction • Decorative 3-D mesh fabric covers the instrument panel, reducing weight in the interior • Lightweight sound system, featuring a headliner with integrated audio that enables increased storage opportunities in vehicle doors • Lightweight overhead system and trim Unique material application • PP Thin Film, suitable for interior parts with high scratch-performance requirements • Compressed natural fibers combined with PP Thin Film, provide a durable surface with strength and reduced mass • Long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic for strength with reduced mass • FaserTec natural fibers, offering eco-friendly benefits and a slim profile with superior comfort • Trim covers from material expert Michel Thierry