eRuf Model A
| eRuf Model A | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ruf Automobile |
| Also called | Ruf Greenster |
| Production | 2008 |
| Assembly | Pfaffenhausen, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | Rear-motor, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | Porsche 911 |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | motor output up to 201 bhp (150 kW), 480 ft⋅lb (649 N⋅m), 3-phase AC induction motor |
| Battery | 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack[1] |
| Dimensions | |
| Curb weight | 1,910 kg (4,211 lb)[2] |
The eRuf Model A was an early 2000s all-electric concept sports car built by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The car was powered by a UQM Technologies[3] propulsion system (a UQM PowerPhase 150). The car has a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph)[4] and was capable of producing 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) of power and 479 lb⋅ft (649 N⋅m) of torque.[1] Estimated range per charge was 250–320 km (155–199 mi), depending on performance level, using iron-phosphate, lithium-ion batteries built by Axeon plc of Great Britain.[5] During coasting the engine works as a generator producing electricity to charge the batteries.[2]
If a production car were to be built, it would be able to use a clutchless one- or two-speed transmission with no reverse gear as the electric motor can spin forward or in reverse.[1] Ruf engaged Calmotors[6] in Camarillo, California, specialized in the implementation of hybrid electric and electric only powertrain design, to combine the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries with its motor.[2]
Ruf announced that it hoped to begin production of the eRuf in the fall of 2009.[1] This did not happen, and at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Ruf announced a new model, the eRUF Greenster, with limited production planned to commence at the end of 2010.[7][needs update]
References
- ^ a b c d Jake Holmes (October 2008). "Ruf eRuf Concept Model A - Car News". Car and Driver. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
- ^ a b c "eRUF Concept Model A 2008 "Emotion without Emission"" (PDF) (Press release). Ruf Automobiles. 10 October 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
- ^ "UQM Technologies". Uqm.com. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^ Nick Hall (13 November 2008). "eRuf Model A (electric Porsche 911)". MSN Cars. Archived from the original on 1 March 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2009.
- ^ "Electric Drive Transportation Association". Electricdrive.org. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^ "CalMotors' Green Performance ECU Powers the eRuf from Ruf Automobile". Calmotors press release. Forbes. 27 October 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2009. [dead link]
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (4 March 2009). "Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
External links
- Racing Around Lithium-Ion Style in Ruf's Electric 911 Edmunds.com 30 November 2008
- Porsche, Unhappy With eRuf, Places an Order for a Tesla Roadster to Study It Green Car Advisor, Edmunds.com, 25 November 2008
- Ruf Automobile's electric Porsche concept gets real, pictured Engadget 10 October 2008
- Road and Track tests battery-powered E-Ruf 911 Autoblog Green 21 October 2008