KALMAR Automotive, producer of bespoke sports cars, has entered a new era with the debut of the company’s first EV conversion. Faster acceleration, more power, improved aerodynamics and with no weight gain over the original combustion car, the unique KALMAR the 7-97 E-Volt embraces more sustainable technologies and is a significant showcase for the Kalmar Automotive ‘Evergreen’ philosophy.
Following the ethos of the existing 7-97 range, the E-Volt is based on the 964 generation 911 and is powered by a high-performance electric vehicle drivetrain upcycled and re-engineered from the Tesla Model S. As a result, the 7-97 E-Volt produces 450bhp and 660Nm, more torque than any 964 to emerge from Stuttgart in that period. It enables a 0-62 mph time of under four seconds with a range of 200+ miles. Eco and Sport modes cater for a driver’s preference and mood.
For 7-97 E-Volt, KALMAR Automotive’s ‘Evergreen’ philosophy draws on state-of-the-art technologies to increase sustainability and reuse where possible. Alongside carrying over many key parts, KALMAR has looked to reuse some of the raw materials from the donor. Examples include aluminium recast from the donor vehicle and glass reformed from the original.
Extensive research and development work has enabled the 7-97 E-Volt to mitigate one of the biggest drawbacks of EV conversions – weight. Thanks to its innovative new-for-2024 plant fibre bodywork for all the exterior and interior panels – the E-Volt benefits from an overall kerb weight equal to that of the original 964 Turbo with which it shares its outer dimensions.
The 7-97 E-volt debuts KALMAR’s latest exterior design language, named the “R-intake”, as it represents a modern interpretation of the 1967 Porsche 911-R - an almost mythical lightweight study made only in 22 units. This “facelift” evolution of the KALMAR 7-97 bodywork offers enhanced aerodynamics achieved through extensive CFD analysis, and improved cooling delivered in part, by a reprofiled front air intake design. In addition, its flax fibre panels offer up to 78 per cent reduction in the comparative CO2 emissions of carbon fibre, because the plant-based material has already absorbed carbon dioxide during its growth cycle.
The revised bodywork has resulted in an improved aero balance over the original. KALMAR has looked to technology to offer further improvements. Its proprietary bonded glass design has been developed to increase efficiency by reducing drag while reducing wind noise and aerodynamic lift
The 7-97 E-Volt is fitted with a proven, refurbished Tesla Model S drivetrain. The drivetrain is fully optimized in typical KALMAR style, ensuring the full potential of the drivetrain is unlocked. This re-engineering results in an equivalent output of more than 450bhp and 660Nm, more than even the most powerful iteration of road-going 964 built, Porsche’s Turbo S 3.6 Exclusive Series – in its day the fastest single-turbo production 911 ever made.
The electric motor is positioned in the rear, counterbalanced by the primary battery located at the front axle, with batteries split fore and aft, retaining the famous 911-weight distribution. In the absence of a combustion engine, an electric vacuum pump powers the brake booster system, electric power steering and electric air-conditioning systems.
An enhanced control board, specified by KALMAR and linked to a 63kWh 350 Volt battery pack comprising high performance 3p96s prismatic cells, is controlled and monitored by an Orion battery management system with advanced temperature control enabling a DC fast charging function. Charging capability is taken care of by an air-cooled 6.6kW charger capable of adding up to 25 miles of range per hour via a 32 Amp power supply. With the optional CCS fast charging function, a zero to 80 per cent charge takes just one hour.
Like the rest of the 7-97 E-Volt, an adaptive suspension is tailored for its unique weight distribution and features improved suspension bushing to tackle even the most testing environments. In addition, customers can choose between an OE braking system or KALMAR Automotive’s optional lightweight brakes in steel or ceramic.
The passenger cabin accommodates the modern comfort and convenience features you’d expect to find in a contemporary sports car, discretely and intentionally hidden from view to retain a period look. Highly efficient semi-automatic electric air conditioning keeps the cabin at the ideal temperature, while an Apple CarPlay Bluetooth-enabled audio system – with floor-mounted active subwoofer – delivers a rousing soundtrack for any trip. Rain sensing wipers and LED headlights are further nods to everyday usability. The 7-97 E-Volt uses environmentally conscious, lightweight ElmoSoft grain leather. Sourced sustainably from Scandinavian cattle, the soft and pliable semi-aniline material offers outstanding comfort and excellent durability and is available in a wide range of colours.
Ensuring the KALMAR 7-97 E-Volt is future-proofed for whatever lies ahead, the conversion remains entirely reversible, meaning customers can opt to return the car to traditional combustion power with no significant modifications.
“The idea of creating an EV version came from our customers,” says Jan Kalmar, founder at KALMAR Automotive. “But for us, it had to be more than just dropping an EV motor in a 911. So we looked to see how far we could take its green credentials. Using an existing car as a base is a good start but it had to go further, hence recasting parts, reforming the glass and using technologies such as flax fibres that produce lower CO2 in their manufacture than carbon fibre. The donor car for our first 7-97 E-Volt build was an abandoned Porsche 964 with no engine, we have given it a second lease of ‘green’ life. For certain markets, E-Volt offers it all; performance, looks and zero emissions to ensure driving is still fun.”