Hamburg, Jan 13 - The small German company RUF, which specialises in conversions of high-powered sports cars, has built what it calls the first Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) running purely on zero-emission electric power and based on the Porsche Cayenne.

Called the Stormster, the e-vehicle is driven by a Siemens electric motor with an output of 270 kW/ 367 hp. With a total weight of 2,670 kg, RUF lists acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just ten seconds. The top speed is electronically regulated at 150 km/h to give the car a range of 200 kilometres on one charge.

The lithium ion accumulators are supplied by Li-Tec Battery GmbH. Li-Tec is the first manufacturer of lithium ion battery cells in Europe, designed for the automobile industry using ceramic storage technology.

Hankook developed the winter tyres for the all wheel drive Stormster which is fitted to RUF classic five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The Stormster made its first public debut at the European Climate Change Conference held in the Danish capital Copenhagen last month. (dpa)