16 March 2010

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RUF electric Porsche 911

When you think of green car manufacturers it’s unlikely that Porsche features near the top of the list. However, thanks to tune-up company RUF Automobile GmbH, Germany’s first electrically powered sports car is on its way with the potential to put many conventional engines to shame.

History of the RUF electric Porsche 911

To recite the history of the Porsche 911 would be to highlight the success of one of the most famous, distinct and durable designs of the 20th Century. In fact, the Porsche 911, which was originally built in 1964, finished fifth in the race to be named International Car of the Century falling just behind the Ford Model T, the Mini, the Citroen DS and the Volkswagen Beetle. The 911 has undergone a number of technical changes over the years but has still remained at the top of its field – indeed the 997 Series was nominated for World Car of the Year as recently as 2005.

RUF Automobile GmbH meanwhile, is an internationally renowned manufacturer of high performance vehicles that are built from unmarked Porsche bodies and chassis. It is most well known for its CTR Yellowbird and is the biggest company to create Porsche tune-ups.

Now it has created the eRUF Model A, a reworked version of the Porsche 911 that is powered by a UQM Technologies propulsion system. RUF engaged Calmotors in Camarillo, California, to combine the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries with an electric motor.

The car was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Environmental credentials of the RUF electric Porsche 911

Where the RUF electric Porsche 911 (the eRUF Model A) comes into its own is in the fact that it is a green car with mass appeal to a previously untouchable sector. Most sports car drivers think about power and performance first with environmental credentials featuring low on their list of priorities – however, this car provides the best of both worlds.

The three-phrase AC motor has a maximum 650Nm torque output from 0rpm onwards. Its project goal was to race from 0-60mph in seven seconds and this has been achieved according to reports. The maximum power output is around 204hp and in direct connection to Volt or Ampere the maximum output level is around 150kW.

As with all electric cars, the RUF electric Porsche 911 will be zero emission although that description does cause controversy with some environmentalists who point out that electric cars, cannot truly be described as zero emission until the power they use comes from purely renewable resources.

Nevertheless, the vehicle has impressive efficiency statistics. Whereas a highly-developed modern petrol engine uses around 75 per cent of the energy in its tank to heat the engine coolant and exhaust gas and only 25- to 30 per cent for actual propulsion, the permanent magnet electric motor offers more than 80 per cent
efficiency over the majority of its power range, extending to 90 per cent in the upper end.

RUF electric Porsche 911 statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the RUF electric Porsche 911. Please note that all technical data is based on preliminary data released in September 2008:

Acceleration: 0-60mph in under seven seconds.
Charge time: 10 hours.
CO2 emissions: None.
Engine power: 150kW.
Range: 250-320km dependent on performance levels.
Top speed: 160mph.
Torque: 650Nm.

Future of the RUF electric Porsche 911

The RUF electric Porsche 911 was unveiled under the eRUF model A name at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009. Production is expected to begin in autumn 2009. Stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for more information.

Author: Lee Sibbald, March 26, 2009

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