Bugatti Tourbillon How Croatian Battery Technology Conquered the Hypercar Olympus

Related Vendors

Rimac Automobili d.o.o.

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

A peek under the hood of the world's most spectacular hypercar reveals a technological revolution that completely redefines our concept of electromobility and battery technology. The Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a car. It is a moving technology lab.

While the automotive world is still debating conventional battery packs, Rimac Technology has developed a solution. A T-shaped 25-kWh battery that also functions as a load-bearing structural element. This geometry is not a design gimmick but pure engineering.

The brilliance of this construction lies in its dual function. The battery is not only a power source but also becomes the backbone of the entire vehicle. This integration not only saves significant weight but also dramatically increases the torsional stiffness of the chassis.

Oil-Cooled Cells: Revolutionary Thermodynamics

The heart of the battery consists of over 1,500 individual cells that are submerged in a special oil bath. This oil cooling technology far surpasses conventional air or water cooling and allows for even temperature distribution across all cells. The efficiency under extreme power demands increases exponentially as a result. Additionally, the battery's lifespan is significantly extended due to optimal operating temperatures.

Particularly impressive is the compact design without complex cooling channels. The fifth-generation Battery Management System monitors each individual cell in real time and meets the highest automotive safety standard ASIL D.

Electric motors: 24,000 Revolutions Per Minute

Three electric motors, each with 24,000 revolutions per minute, provide Formula 1-level performance for the road. These extreme rotational speeds allow for an enormous power density. Despite these insane rotational speeds, the motors work so efficiently and precisely that they can simultaneously function as a starter, generator, and power amplifier.

This multifunctionality completely eliminates conventional 12-volt systems and belt-driven auxiliary units. Each of the three motors is a masterpiece of precision engineering, functioning reliably even at a top speed of 276.5 mph. The engineering achievement is especially evident when considering that these motors must deliver full performance under extreme temperatures and G-forces.

SiC Technology: The Quantum Leap

Rimac's silicon carbide inverters overshadow everything previously used in electric vehicles. This semiconductor technology reduces energy losses by up to 50 percent compared to conventional silicon chips and enables higher switching frequencies for more precise motor control.

Silicon carbide withstands extreme temperatures without performance loss and allows for a more compact design with higher performance.

Voltage: 800-Volt Architecture

While most electric cars still operate on 400 volts, the Tourbillon uses 800-volt technology. The high-voltage technology enables faster charging times and allows for thinner cables with the same power transmission. Heat losses throughout the system are drastically reduced, while system efficiency at peak performance sets new benchmarks.

Thermal Management: Cooling As An Art

The sophisticated thermal management system might be the most underestimated innovation of the Tourbillon. Three separate cooling circuits ensure that the battery, electric motors, and power electronics maintain their optimal operating temperature even at 276.5 mph. The result is consistent performance without throttling, even during repeated full-throttle runs on the most demanding race tracks. This precision in thermal management is a key factor for the exceptional performance consistency of the Tourbillon.

Multifunctional Integration: One Motor, Many Talents

The electric motors are true multitaskers and perform various functions in the vehicle. They serve as a drive for purely electric driving, act as a starter motor for the powerful V16 engine, and work as a generator for energy recuperation. At the same time, they enable precise torque vectoring for optimal cornering and offer a seamless boost function for power delivery.

This integration of various functions into one system showcases the sophistication of modern electrical engineering. Where multiple separate systems were once needed, a single electric motor now performs all tasks with the highest precision and efficiency.

Minimalist: The 25 kWh Battery

Covering over 37.3 miles purely electrically with only a 25 kWh battery capacity impressively demonstrates the efficiency of this technology. An average electric car requires about 15 to 20 kWh for the same range, albeit without having 1,600 HP of system power at its disposal.

Rimac demonstrates that electrification can be not only environmentally friendly but also performance-enhancing. Every technology used in the Tourbillon will appear in production vehicles from Porsche, BMW, and other manufacturers in the coming years. 250 units will be built starting in 2026, each one a technology carrier for the electromobility of tomorrow. (mr)

Future-Proof Authentication with Universal RFID Readers

Universal RFID Readers: One Solution for All Credentials