Electric race car Volar-e shows powerful capabilities

Brussels, 1-3-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today the capabilities of the Volar-e, one the most powerful electric cars ever made, will be demonstrated during the demanding Formula 1 test days in the Circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona), in the presence of European Commission Vice President, Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneuship. The Volar-e was built by the Spanish company Applus Idiada with up to 50% financing by European funds. It can reach a top speed of 300 km/h, and move from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, providing more than 1000 HP power.

Live performance with monitoring via smartphone

In addition to witnessing the Volar-e’s racing abilities live, the public will be able to follow and verify the main driving parameters of the vehicle – such as speed, acceleration and braking – using a software application specially developed for this event that can be downloaded via smartphone.

Fast charging car with extended driving range

This event is not all about showing a powerful and futuristic car: one of the main objectives that the European Commission is targeting with the construction of the Volar-e is to address worries that hold consumers back from considering the possibility of purchasing an electric car, such as limited driving range and long charging time. The design and construction of the Volar-e takes the main electro-mobility concerns into account. Light materials such as carbon fibre or aluminium, were used to reduce the weight of the car and increase its range while its aerodynamics were also optimized via computer simulation tools. In addition, the vehicle has been fitted with a fast charging system that enables battery charging in only 15 minutes, the time taken for an average break in a service station.

Extra demonstration on 10 March

For those who cannot attend the Circuit of Catalunya on the 28 February, a second public demonstration will take place the 10 March in Barcelona’s Passeig de Colom.

More information about the EU’s strategy for clean and energy efficient vehicles