Porsche AG (www.porsche.com) has acquired a 10% stake in the Croatian company Rimac Automobili, which manufactures electric hyper-cars and also develops electric-vehicle (EV) components and battery systems. Since it was established in 2009, Rimac has positioned itself as a provider of advanced EV solutions for global automotive manufacturers.

Founder and CEO Mate Rimac said: “In less than a decade, we have built up a comprehensive know-how in developing high-performance electric powertrain and battery technology, innovative infotainment and telemetry systems and many other core vehicle systems.

Our hyper-cars are at the pinnacle of technology, redefining the idea of the super-car. Still, building a serious automotive supplier and niche sports-car manufacturer is a lifetime challenge, and we still have a long way to go.”

Rimac recently showcased its latest exclusive electric hyper-car — the ‘C Two’ — at the Geneva Motor Show. The two-seater is said to be able to produce 2,000hp and can reach a top speed of 412kph.

It has a range of 650km and can achieve 80% battery charge in 30min through a 250kW fast-charging system.

Lutz Meschke, Porsche deputy chairman, said: “By developing purely electric two-seat super-sports-cars like the ‘Concept One’ or ‘C Two’, as well as core vehicle systems, Rimac has impressively demonstrated its cre-dentials in the field of electro-mobility.

"We feel that its ideas and approaches are extremely promising, which is why we hope to enter into close collaboration with the company, in the form of a development partnership.”