e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car

Shortly after debuting its Lotus Seven-esque e1 electric sportscar at the Frankfurt Motor Show, e-Wolf has released images and details of its next model, the e2. Unlike the open-topped e1, the German firm's e2 followup will feature a shape clearly inspired by any number of supercars from Italy, particularly the Lamborghini Reventon and Ferrari Enzo. If you're going to copy, might as well go for the gold, no?

Powering the theoretical electric supercar will be one 134-horsepower electric motor per wheel for a total of 536 squeaky clean horses and an impressive 738 lb-ft of torque (1,000 Nm). The run to 60 is expected to be dispatched in well under four seconds, though the top speed may be capped at 155 miles per hour.

Energy storage will be by way of a lithium ion battery pack composed of 84 flat cells from CERIO. Although no details have been released on the pack's stated capacity, e-Wolf suggests that range could be as high as 187 miles (300 kilometers) per charge after a recharge of just 30 minutes – of course it would take a powerful, specialized charger to achieve that result. Production is currently planned for 2011. Click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: e-Wolf via SpeedLux]


PRESS RELEASE:

e-WOLF. The new technology leader has created a new automobile category: extreme electric sports cars. With acceleration values on the edge of technical feasibility.

The e-1 by car manufacturer e-WOLF GmbH is a first: an ultralight carbon/aluminium-construction chassis with innovative flat cell technology, formula racing technology and approval for on-road use. Thanks to its innovation and technology, the e-1 achieves performance values that have been impossible in its class until now: 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds. For safety reasons, its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. e-WOLF differentiates itself in the market by virtue of its consistent use of lightweight construction elements in addition to its 100% electrical drive system. All of the technologies, components and assemblies it uses are "Made in Germany".

Revolutionary battery technology
A Li-Tec battery with CERIO® flat cells is the key component. It features a higher temperature tolerance and improved safety relative to other technologies. This innovation was nominated for the 2007 German Future Prize, a great honour. Its special low-volume composite anodes can store significantly more energy than most other products now in the market. Each flat cell (the battery has a total of 84) weighs just 1 kg and measures 23 x 18 cm. That means it is only a bit larger than an exercise book. Another important aspect of the Li-Tec battery with CERIO® flat cells is its cycle stability and unrivalled service life (10 years) and range (over 300 km). That makes Li-Tec the spearhead of current flat cell development.

Model variants and marketing
To demonstrate the technology, an open-wheeled version of the e-WOLF electric sports car will be exhibited at the IAA 2009. e-WOLF has planned its sales launch (customised limited edition) for the beginning of 2010. "Our aim is to offer a 2-seater extreme sports car in 2011: the e-WOLF e-2," said Kai Schönenberg, Marketing Manager at e-WOLF GmbH. "It will achieve dynamic vehicle performance that is sure to be very impressive." This innovative 4-wheel drive vehicle will be powered by 4 high-performance electric motors with direct coupling. "Here at e-WOLF, we can certainly envisage our e-2 participating in a 24-hour race in the next few years," said Schönenberg. e-WOLF is being marketed worldwide, with promotions concentrating initially on the Near East and Japan. e-WOLF is in a different league - it does not compete with the big sports car manufacturers. e-WOLF targets a market segment that has been neglected until now: extreme sports cars for a particularly elite clientele. To put it plainly: it is an electric sports car with a capacity for acceleration that puts it on the edge of technical feasibility.

Partners make state-of-the-art development possible
Newly established e-WOLF GmbH is part of the Maiworm Group. The company has accepted the challenge of developing and manufacturing extreme performance electric sports cars. The e-WOLF company concept does not provide for accumulating know-how on the technological development of electric vehicles. Instead, e-WOLF negotiates strategic alliances and project partnerships that allow it to consciously draw upon the expertise of institutes and companies working in this area. In turn, e-WOLF enjoys the significant advantage of always being able to incorporate the cutting edge of research in the design of its vehicles. Dr. Werner Hufenbach, Director of the Institute of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden, confirmed that cooperation between the institute and e-WOLF will continue to be a major focal point in the future. "We are certainly going with the trend in this respect, and I am also personally convinced that electromobility will change the world. We have a major opportunity here that we plan to make the most of," he said. The Institute of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (ILK) of the TU Dresden, the Saxon Centre for Lightweight Construction (LZS) and Li-Tec Battery GmbH are some of the most important e-WOLF partners.

e-WOLF technology in the FUMO ion 1 by Multicar
By supplying innovative powertrain components (motor, battery and control systems), e-WOLF GmbH is participating in the development of the FUMO ion 1 transporter by Multicar. Powered by electricity, Multicar is ideal for municipal administrations and garden and landscape contractors working in inner cities, recreation centres or spa towns. A prototype of the FUMO ion 1 electric transporter will be on show at eCarTec 2009 in October. Field trials will be conducted as the next step.