World premiere: EWE presents electric car
E3 forms an important part of company's research plans
Bremen/Oldenburg/Osnabrück, Germany, 10 November 2009. Less than ten months after launching their joint project, EWE AG and Karmann GmbH today presented a newly developed electric car to the public at an event in Bremen. The EWE E3 is a world premiere as it is the first electric car to be built on behalf of an energy service provider. However, the E3 is more than just a car for EWE. Its primary purpose is to enable the company to research the integration of electric cars into the electricity network. For this reason, the vehicle forms an important part of the company's overall strategy, which is dedicated to energy conservation, energy efficiency and extending use of renewable energies.
EWE's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Werner Brinker, sees the E3 as a crucial step in the company's research efforts: "Storing electricity from renewable energies plays a crucial role in mastering the challenges posed by the future energy supply". Brinker went on to say that the electric car had another advantage: "By making practical use of the technology, we will be able to identify where further research is needed".
Lower Saxony's Minister for Economic Affairs, Jörg Bode, described the E3 as another opportunity for the state's automotive industry. "The issue of sustainable mobility is becoming increasingly important. Industry, researchers and policymakers must do all they can to maintain and build on Germany's leading role in the fields of automotive and energy technology, including electric mobility", said Bode. Bremen's Senator for Economic Affairs, Ralf Nagel, commented that the E3 proved how competitive the region was: "By developing the E3, EWE has shown how important research is. With its positive development, the company represents the future opportunities open to the Bremen/Oldenburg region".
A second vehicle is expected to be delivered before the year is out. The miniature fleet will then hit the road to help with EWE's research projects. The prime objective is to investigate how electric cars can be integrated into the electricity network.
The issue of electric mobility will also play an important role in Bremen tomorrow, when swb AG will hold an innovation day examining this topic in detail.
EWE ranks among Germany’s largest energy services companies and is headquartered in Oldenburg in the federal state of Lower Saxony. The group’s business activities comprise electricity, natural gas and water supply, energy and environmental technology as well as gas transmission and trade, telecommunication and information technology. EWE thus offers one-stop classic and innovative services. The EWE network infrastructure is characterized by high technical quality, security of supply and economically efficient operation. EWE was quick to develop its core competences to operate complex networks and to expand its comprehensive know-how in remote control and regulatory systems into a future-focused multi-service range of products. In addition to its activities in its home region in Northern Germany, EWE continues to expand its operations in Eastern Germany, Poland and Turkey. In 2008, the EWE Group employed around 5,300 people and recorded sales of €5.3 billion.
The E3 – facts and figures
Power: 37 kW/50 hp in sport mode
Up to max. 58 kW/79 hp
Front-wheel drive
Weight: 1,492 kg
Acceleration: 15 s (0–100 km/h)
Maximum speed: 140 km/h
Range: 170 km
Length/height: 4.06 m/1.50m
Battery: Lithium-ion technology (nickel-cobalt; NCA),
with state-of-the-art battery cells,
no battery cooling necessary,
integrated into the underbody
Charging time 100%: Approx. 165 minutes (400 V/16 A)
Approx. 480 minutes (230 V/10 A)
Features: Energy-efficient heating/cooling system with full air-conditioning
Water-cooled synchronous motor with automatic transformer
Electro-hydraulic power steering
Seat heating in the front
ABS
On-board chargers (three-phase fast charging)
LED light concept (daytime running lights/rear lights)
Airbag system
Hill hold function to prevent rollback on inclines
Five-door design