As new ideas emerge to choke off the giant funnel of fossil fuel that feeds it, start-up companies are spawning with Internet-like rapidity.
This also includes the motor sector, where concepts for electric cars are crawling out of the woodwork, including those from relatively unknown entities.
The latest example comes from Croatia where, Rimac Automobilli, is expected to unveil a stunner at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week.
The specs of its Concept One would rival the Tesla Roadster – the gold standard of sporty EVs.
The Concept One accelerates 0-to-100 km/h (basically, 0-to-60 mph) in a blinding 2.8 seconds, boasts a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph), and has a range of 366 miles which if true would match the range of many a gasoline engine.
How will they achieve those numbers: a high capacity 92 kWh battery drives 4 separate electric motors that propel a lightweight car of 1650 kilograms (3638 pounds)) made with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber body. It will also generate: 1088 bhp, and a 3800 Nm torque.
In keeping with the upstart dotcom-like flavour of it all, Rimac is run by a youngster. The boss is a 23-year-old automobile designer with a friendly sounding first name, Mate Rimac.
As can be seen from this teaser Youtube video, the Concept One appears to be made in high-tech facilities.
Rimac Automobili? Not exactly a household name but then, neither are Lightning Car Co. or Evilio, just two examples of obscure little companies that have thrown their hat into the EV ring recently.
Rimac is emblematic of the entrepreneurial zeal that will help drive along new ideas that could unseat fossil fuels.
Of course, Rimac et al have to compete with the EV initiatives of the more established automobile companies, where the list of vendors these days is almost as long as the list of all big car brands such as VW with its one-seater, GM, Nissan, BMW, Ford, Mercedes and the staggering Audi.
Posts
