Rimac Automobili has unveiled the Concept_One, the production version of the world's first all-electric hypercar. The Concept_One was born of the idea that an electric powertrain can make a sportscar not only faster but also more adjustable, agile and fun.
The Concept_One is powered by four extremely powerful permanent magnet electric motors, one for each wheel, located in the centre of both axles. The architecture is radically different compared to traditional combustion engines so a completely new vehicle platform had to be developed to use all the advantages that such a layout brings. In order to reduce weight and make it possible to package such a powerful powertrain system into the chassis, all powertrain systems were developed alongside within the same team to enable a high degree of integration between the components. The result is a perfect weight distribution and extremely low centre of gravity.
Distributing a total of 800 kW / 1088 HP and 1600 Nm of torque, the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring (RAWTV) system precisely calculates the optimum torque for each wheel. R-AWTV uses inputs from several precise sensors strategically positioned around the chassis and suspension to calculate the optimal torque distribution between the wheels through complex mathematical models and control algorithms. The system provides unseen flexibility and grip by controlling each motor individually one hundred times per second. This enables the Concept_One to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 2,6 seconds and, to 200 km/h in 6,2 and to 300 km/h in 14,2 seconds. The R-AWTV functions as a traction control, stability control and "electric ABS" system that also commands the 4-wheel regenerative braking of up to 400 kW that works together with the carbon-ceramic braking system.
To match the character, innovation excellence and sleek design of the Concept_One, a truly bespoke infotainment system was developed and manufactured in-house. All vehicle dynamics and powertrain functions such as the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring System are controlled through physical buttons, machined from billet aluminium while secondary functions are controlled through the central touch-screen. The system shows an abundance of information through beautifully optimised graphics and gives insights into the Concept_One's nervous system. Browsing through the menus on the central display, the driver can change the settings of the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring system, brake force distribution, torque distribution, as well as various other functions. By changing the settings, the driver alternates the nature of the car depending on his preferences, from a calm and neutral setting to a track-oriented setup or the extreme drift mode that helps experienced drivers to have fun on a closed track.
"My goal was to not to create an electric version of existing supercars. I wanted to create technology to make the supercar considerably better in every regard - faster, more fun and more efficient. I wanted to make the supercar of the 21st century," said CEO of Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac. "The Concept_One showcases performances which were not considered possible for electric cars a few years ago. To reach that level of performance, we first had to develop the technology and then the car. The Concept_One has gone through four iterations from a concept to the production car. In every iteration, we have redesigned almost all systems from scratch in order to achieve the level of performance and quality that we have set for ourselves in the beginning. I am also extremely proud of our vertical integration - the Concept_One is a true Rimac Automobili product - down to the smallest details."
