Following a launch at Monterey Car Week of the company’s brand-new 9X9 “retro hypercar,” Kalmar Automotive debuted its first-ever electric vehicle conversion. With faster acceleration, more power and no additional weight added over the original combustion car, the unique Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt embraces more sustainable technologies and takes recycling to a new level through the company’s “Evergreen” philosophy, the company states.
The E-Volt is based on the 964 generation 911 and is powered by a high-performance electric vehicle drivetrain up-cycled and re-engineered from the Tesla Model S. The 7-97 E-Volt produces 450 bhp and 660Nm, more torque than any 964, enabling a 0-62 mph time of under 4 seconds with a range of up to 180 miles.
Alongside carrying over many key parts, Kalmar also looked to reuse some of the original raw materials including aluminum recast from the donor vehicle and glass reformed from the original.
Thanks to its plant fiber bodywork for all the exterior and interior panels – the 7-97 E-Volt benefits from an overall curb weight (1,374 kilograms – a little over 3,000 lbs.) equal to that of the original 964 Turbo with which it shares its dimensions.
The E-volt debuts Kalmar’s latest exterior design language named the “R-intake” as it represents a modern interpretation of the 1967 Porsche 911-R. This facelift evolution of the Kalmar 7-97 bodywork offers enhanced aerodynamics achieved through extensive CFD analysis, and improved cooling delivered, in part, by a re-profiled front air intake design. In addition, its flax fibers offer up to 78 percent reduction in the comparative CO2 emissions of carbon fiber, because the plant-based material has already absorbed carbon dioxide during its growth cycle.
“The idea of creating an EV came from our customers,” says Jan Kalmar, Founder of Kalmar Automotive. “It had to be more than just dropping an EV motor in a 911. So we looked to see how far we could take its green credentials. Using an existing car as a base is a good start, but it had to go further, hence recasting parts, reforming the glass and using technologies such as flax fibers that produce lower CO2 in their manufacturing than carbon fiber. The donor car for our first 7-97 E-Volt build was an abandoned Porsche 964 with no engine, and now we have given it a second lease of ‘green’ life.”
The revised bodywork has resulted in an improved aero balance over the original. Kalmar has also looked to technology to offer further improvements, including its proprietary bonded glass design that was developed to increase efficiency by reducing drag while reducing wind noise and aerodynamic lift.
“The 7-97 E-Volt is proof that an electric vehicle does not need to weigh more than combustion cars,” continues Kalmar. “Thanks to unique new lightweight plant fiber bodywork and deep attention to general weight savings, the weight remains the same as a 964 Turbo.”
The electric motor is positioned in the rear, counterbalanced by the primary battery located at the front axle, with batteries split fore and aft, the famous 911 weight distribution has been retained. An enhanced control board, links a 63kWh 350 Volt battery pack comprising high performance 3p96s prismatic cells, and controlled and monitored by an Orion battery management system with advanced temperature control enabling a DC fast charging function.
The 6.6kW charger is capable of adding up to 25 miles of range per hour via a 32 Amp power supply. With the optional CCS fast charging function, a zero to 80 percent charge takes just one hour.
Like the rest of the 7-97 E-Volt, an adaptive suspension is tailored for its unique weight distribution, and improved suspension bushing to tackle even the most testing environments. In addition, customers can choose between an OE braking system or Kalmar Automotive’s optional lightweight brakes in steel or ceramic.
Inside come the modern comfort and convenience features you’d expect to find in a contemporary sports car, hidden from view to retain a period look. An Apple Carplay Bluetooth enabled audio system and rain sensing wipers and LED headlights are further nods to everyday usability.
Ensuring the Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt is future-proofed for whatever lies ahead, the conversion remains entirely reversible, meaning customers can opt to return the car to traditional combustion power with no significant modifications.
Pricing for the 7-97 E-Volt conversion starts at around $500,000. For more information on the 7-97 E-Volt and Kalmar Automotive, click here.
