The 7-97 E-Volt: KALMAR Automotive’s Electric Take on the Classic Porsche 911

The Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt is a sports car crafted for exhilarating drives on the world’s most remarkable roads, offering a balance between performance and sustainability with its electric powertrain. This model retains the beloved silhouette of the iconic 911 while delivering a heightened driving experience through a streamlined design, thanks to Kalmar Automotive’s engineering team. The goal is to enhance performance and comfort, ensuring every journey is an unforgettable experience.

This electric version of the Kalmar 7-97, known as the E-Volt, caters to those seeking the thrill of a sports car with the added benefits of electric propulsion and sustainability. Every Kalmar 7-97 E-Volt is unique, built entirely to the owner’s specifications, showcasing the brand’s ethos of “modern coach-building.” Each car is an individual creation, combining advanced technology with timeless design.

One of the biggest challenges in electric vehicle (EV) conversions is managing weight, but the 7-97 E-Volt addresses this with innovative plant-fiber bodywork for both the exterior and interior panels. This material, debuting in the 2024 model, helps maintain the same curb weight as the donor car. The flax fiber body panels are lightweight and also contribute to a 78% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to carbon fiber, making the E-Volt an environmentally conscious choice.

The 7-97 E-Volt also introduces Kalmar’s “R-intake” exterior design language, inspired by the 1967 Porsche 911-R. This modern reinterpretation enhances aerodynamics and cooling through an updated front air intake and re-profiled bodywork. The car’s aerodynamics are further improved with bonded glass, which reduces drag, wind noise, and lift, coupled with an aerodynamically optimized underside.

Inside, the 7-97 E-Volt offers modern comfort features hidden beneath a period-correct aesthetic. The cabin includes semi-automatic electric air conditioning, a Bluetooth-enabled audio system with Apple CarPlay, and rain-sensing wipers. The leather used in the cabin is ElmoSoft grain leather, sourced sustainably from Scandinavian cattle, offering a balance of comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Kalmar’s approach to aerodynamics focuses on subtle yet impactful changes. The goal was to modernize the 7-97 E-Volt while maintaining its original design DNA. Using advanced motorsport simulation and production technologies, the engineering team reduced wind resistance and lift, improving the car’s balance without altering its classic weight distribution.

These minor adjustments collectively improve the car’s performance. For instance, the modern glass design alone reduces lift by 41 kg, and airflow modifications under the car shift the aerodynamic balance toward the rear. Overall, these enhancements increase front axle downforce by 30% and reduce rear-end lift by 20%. For those seeking even greater aerodynamic performance, a new ducktail spoiler option can reduce rear lift by an additional 60%.

The 7-97 E-Volt is powered by a refurbished Tesla Model S drivetrain, re-engineered to deliver over 414 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. The electric motor is positioned in the rear, counterbalanced by the primary battery at the front axle to maintain the iconic 911 weight distribution. The battery pack, a 63kWh 350-volt system, is managed by an Orion battery management system with advanced temperature control and DC fast charging capabilities.

Kalmar’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its groundbreaking use of plant-fiber composite bodywork, a first in the classic car market. These composite materials offer equivalent stiffness and weight to carbon fiber while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 78%. The plant fibers absorb carbon dioxide during their growth cycle, giving the production process a net positive effect on the car’s carbon footprint.

Each 7-97 E-Volt is a bespoke creation, with limitless customization options available. Kalmar works closely with customers to handcraft a vehicle that meets their exact specifications. Production is limited to 12 cars per year, ensuring each model is unique and personal to its owner. Despite its electric powertrain, the 7-97 E-Volt is future-proofed, as the conversion is entirely reversible. Owners can choose to return their car to traditional combustion power if desired, without significant modifications.