e-Wolf to tackle electric sports cars with e-1 and e-2

e-Wolf e-2

German firm e-Wolf has unveiled a new electric sports car known as the e-1 (not the one pictured above). The e-Wolf e-1 is built on a ultra-light carbon fiber and aluminum chassis with a total weight of just 922 lbs.

Power comes from a Li-Tec battery with cells that have a higher temperature tolerance and a larger energy storage capacity. The battery is mated to a 148-hp electric-motor that allows the e-1 to go from 0 to 62 mph in under 5 seconds with a top seed governed at 155 mph. The e-1 provides a total range of 186 miles.

The e-Wolf e-1 will start selling in early 2010.

e-Wolf e-1

However, what’s more appealing to us is the e-2, an all-wheel-dive high performance electric sports car, which will appear in 2011. It will be powered by 134-hp electric motors on each wheel. That brings the total output rating to 536-hp with a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft. The e-2 will go from 0 to 62 mph in under 4 seconds.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

e-Wolf e-1 and e-2:

e-Wolf e-1 and e-2 e-Wolf e-1 and e-2 e-Wolf e-1 and e-2 e-Wolf e-1 and e-2

Press Release:

e-WOLF. Enter a new era

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.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: e-Wolf (via WCF)