NGlobal Magazin 01-2010

Niedersachsen Global www.nglobal.de 38 Energy The E3 is more than just a car for EWE. Its primary purpose is to enable the company to research the in- tegration 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 ef- forts: “Storing electricity from renewable energies plays a crucial role in mastering the challenges posed by the future energy supply.” And there’s another ad- vantage: by making practical use of the technology, EWE will be able to identify where further research is needed. Meanwhile, a second vehicle has been delivered, six to eight prototypes will follow until 2011. The minia- ture fleet will hit the road to help with EWE’s research projects. However, EWE is not looking to start mass production. Karmann founded a separate company, Karmann E-Mobil GmbH, to develop electric cars. The VW Group has since acquired other assets belonging to the Osnabrück-based vehicle manufacturer. Ecological Convenience The EWE E3 is ideal for everyday use and is geared towards meeting the typical commuter’s need for in- creased mobility. The car can comfortably seat four people with enough room for their luggage, and pro- vides all the usual comforts, from air conditioning to heated seats to airbags. The car can travel up to 170 km on a fully charged battery. The batteries are installed under the floor of the car and are charged through an intentionally eye-catching charging flap at the front of the car. The car’s top speed of 140 kilo- metres per hour is a compromise between speed and range to suit the needs of commuters. The engine’s 50 to 79 HP makes the car technically capable of higher speeds. The electric drive system allows the car to reach its destination extraordinarily quietly without producing any emissions. The practical test was an impressive demonstration of the advantages of electric mobility. However, there is still much to do before a large number of electric cars are seen on the roads, fulfilling their role as flexible energy storage facilities. The issue of sustainable mo- bility is becoming increasingly important for the in- dustry, researchers and policymakers. Together they are driving electric mobility to maintain and build on Germany’s leading role in the fields of automotive and energy technology. Electric Cars  As Flexible Energy  Storage Facilities The EWE E3 is the first electric car to be built on behalf of an energy service provider.  “We’re not about to transform EWE from an energy supplier into a car manufacturer.” Dr. Werner Brinker, CEO EWE AG (left) and Christian Wulff, Prime Minister of Niedersachsen (right) driving the E3 Photo: EWE AG THE EWE E3 Maximum speed: 140 km/h Power: 37 kW (50 HP) to max. 58 kW (79 HP) Acceleration: 15 s (0–100 km/h) Current range: 170 km on a single charge Four door model, designed for 4 people Kerb weight: 1,492 kg, of which batteries: 330 kg Battery type: lithium-ion technology Front charger THE EWE E3 Photo/Source: EWE/Karman