2009 Ruf Greenster Concept

The research organization of Siemens (Corporate Technology) is working intensively on the topic of electro mobility, which could become part of its environment portfolio, with 19 billion Euros already contributing a mere 25% of total revenue. The demands made on the electric vehicle and the design of the power network infrastructure play a decisive role. Topics being investigated include, among others, energy generation and distribution, traffic and energy management, smart metering, power electronics, software and sensor technology and of course electric drive train systems, and the recovery and storage of energy. Within the scope of this research, Siemens Corporate Technology has developed an integrated system consisting of a motor/generator, power electronics and an interface with a battery connection for electrically powered cars.

The fundamental ideas that led RÚFAutomobile GmbH to develop an electrically driven vehicle came from Alois Ruf. The head of the automobile manufacturer 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 per annum into the Germany electrical network, could also propel the eRÚF. The symbiosis of two leading companies - Siemens as a leader in the electric industry and RÚF in the automobile industry - will leverage the best possible synergies for the future of electro mobility.

Siemens Corporate Technology has developed an adapted power train for the eRuf 'Greenster'. Thus, a preliminary version of the concept for the innovative eDrive from Siemens will already be on display inGeneva. While the vehicle to be presented in Geneva is still equipped with a central motor with a power output of 270 kW and 950 Nm torque, the following version will be produced as a small series with Ruf as a double-motor concept with theinnovative integral eDrive. As such, theeRÚF will be the world's first electric vehicle fitted with a bi-directional network connection, which - without the otherwise necessary additional recharging electronics- is capable to be recharged in less than an hour at a 400-volt power outlet - and can use the same power outlet to feed energy back into the power network if required. The small series planned on the basis of this concept by RÚF Automobile is expected to hit the streets in 2010.

Source - RUF Automobile GmbH