RUF reveals all-electric Porsche 911 concept

Development of the all-electric Porsche from German tuner RUF has reached a major milestone, with confirmation today that initial testing of a prototype 911 has been successful. RUF had originally planned to install its electric powertrain in its Cayman 3400K model but decided to go with the bigger body of the 997 911 due to better packaging and cooling of the required lithium-ion batteries.

The multiple battery arrays add an additional 550kg to the 911’s mass, bringing the total kerb weight of the electric version to just under 1,900kg. There are a total of 96 battery cells, all supplied by British company Axeon. Despite the substantial increase in weight, the electric motor they power, which is rated at 204 hp (150kW) and 480lb-ft (650Nm) of torque, can accelerate the vehicle from 0-100km/h in a brisk seven seconds and see it reach a top speed of 224km/h.

According to RUF, the car can travel between 250 and 300km between charges. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via the 911’s standard six-speed manual, which reportedly has no trouble dealing with the electric motor.

RUF insists that its all-electric Porsche is still strictly a concept but envisages starting limited production in the not too distant future. Also working on the project is California’s CalMotors, which plans to unveil its own electric concept in the near future. However, like RUF, no production plans have been mentioned.