Ruf Automobile GmbH, internationally well known manufacturer for high performance automobiles and the producer of the famous CTR-series is now introducing the first electrically powered sports car from Germany.
The fundamental ideas that lead to the development of the eRUF concept vehicle came from Alois Ruf. The car maker from the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhausen had a vision of a simple energy transfer concept: his hydroelectric power plants, which feed 35 million kW hours of electricity annually into the German electrical network, could also more or less directly power modern autos. 35 million kWh is enough energy to power one of the prototypes eRUF as described below for 3500 journeys around the globe – or 3500 of the cars one time around the world each.The idea seemed even more inspiring, as it would be possible for him to connect cars directly to the emission-free power plants for charging and drive away on the water-generated power.
The eRUF Model A concept car is the first prototype to lead the technical development away from the combustion engine. Actually, for the first time an electric motor is being used which comes to fitting into the Ruf model range.
The three-phase AC motor’s performance easily puts many conventional conbustion engines to shame. It produces its maximum 650 Nm torque output from 0 rpm onwards. This power rips into the drive shafts so impressively during acceleration, that one is immediately reminded of the extremely powerful Ruf Rt 12.
A short discourse regarding efficiency might be helpful at this point: a highly-developed, modern petrol engine uses around 75 percent of the energy in its tank to heat the engine coolant and exhaust gas and only 25 to 30 per cent for actual propulsion. A diesel manages to convert a respectable 35 to 40 percent of its fuel energy into motion. The permanent magnet electric motor, on the other hand, is a model of high efficiency: it offers over 80 percent efficiency over the majority of its power range, extending 90 per cent in the upper end of its power range.
© Source: seriouswheels
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