It is not easy building a true high-performance electric vehicle. Even if money isn't a problem, there is a dearth of component suppliers with the kind of equipment and expertise you would need to succeed. Tesla Motors is unlikely to hand out examples of the secret sauce that gives its Model S Performance 416 horsepower, for example. Similarly, the system that motivates the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Electric Drive is jealously guarded and not for sale. Enter Rimac Automobili.
Not content to simply build custom variations of its lust-worthy Concept_One, the Croatian company has now broadened its business plan and will now help you build your own electric supercar or, perhaps, a small fleet of them. Need a light, compact set of motors – with their own reduction gearboxes – capable of putting out a peak 654 kilowatts (877 horsepower)? Rimac has you covered. How about a sophisticated control unit to route that kind of power from a battery pack to the motors? No problem. In fact, the young outfit can deal with everything from chassis design to creating a custom infotainment system.
One small problem we can see with the componentry, however, is its appearance. It just looks too good to bury it within an automobile. If only there was a way to build a see-through car, we muse to ourselves, this would be the kind of electro-jewelry to use in such a vehicle.
Rimac’s official press release (from June 2013):
Rimac Automobili powertrain systems and services now available for customers
Sveta Nedelja, June 3rd, 2013. – The Rimac R&D team developed both the Concept_One and the technology under the carbon-fiber skin in order to achieve the Concept_One's remarkable performance. Various industries and individuals can now benefit from this technology. Rimac Automobili is now offering cutting-edge technology and their services to the industry and individuals. The company's newly updated web-site will lead you into the world of outstanding innovation and technology.
Founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac says: "Pioneers have always been at the forefront of technological advancement of mankind. Rimac Automobili has challenged the status-quo by having the vision to revolutionize and reinvent the sportscar with its unique technology. Today we are excited to offer customers the opportunity to use our technology and know-how to create new and exciting products. Our biggest advantage is that we are to deliver the full service – powertrain, batteries, design, chassis, moulds, body-work, infotainment systems and many other aspects of the vehicle. We can lead the entire process from the idea to the finished product under one roof, what enables us to act fast and efficient. Being a car manufacturer ourselves, we know what it takes to develop a car and how hard it can be to integrate systems from various suppliers. Now it is possible to source everything from one address."
Rimac Automobili's CTO, Igor Pongrac explains that Rimac Automobili drivetrain systems deliver unmatched performance combined with very high energy and packaging efficiency. The high level of integration makes these systems the ideal choice for high-performance applications. Every component is matched perfectly to the entire system which results in the most power-dense systems on the market. It is also important to mention that Rimac Automobili powertrain and battery systems are designed to suit in a variety of applications – not necessarily automotive. The modular design of these components enables to be adapted fast and cost effective according to the wishes of every customer. Motors and Transmissions, Battery Systems and BMS, Power Distribution and Management, Infotainment Systems, Low Voltage Electric Systems and a variety of Auxiliary systems are only some of them as Rimac Automobili constantly engages into development activities.
Rimac Automobili produces the world's fastest and most exciting electric supercars. The Company came into public focus in September 2011 after presenting their first model, the Concept_One, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Concept_One, reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in less than 3 seconds and accelerates to over 300 km/h thanks to its unique drivetrain system with over 1,000 horsepower.
