Spare a thought for the makers of the world's fastest production automobile. Ever since they announced further details about their plans to produce the "world's fastest production electric car," Shelby Super Cars has been the target of much snickering and rolling of the eyes over their claim of a 10-minute battery re-charge capability.

It's not because it's outside the realm of possibility. Indeed, that same declaration has been made in the past by the makers of the Lightning Gt and the folks at Phoenix Motorcars. Heck, it was even demonstrated by Aerovironment and the battery maker, Altairnano. The problem was they said it could be done with a 110V outlet which, according to the known physical laws of the universe, is not possible. Soon that claim was downgraded to "220V service". Better, but still a touch on the outside of believable. In search of a little respect, the company has now gone back and revised its press release further by simply eliminating any reference to the voltage of their source. Will it quiet the critics until the upcoming superspeedway demonstration? You tell us. Re-revised press release after the break.

[Source: Shelby Super Cars via Doug at Tesla Motors Club Forum]

In an effort to maintain a modicum of credibility after suffering from what they now say was a "premature release" of inaccurate information, Shelby Super Cars (SSC) has published a revised version of its recent communiqué regarding their electric vehicle program. The unbelievable claim of being able to recharge their Ultimate Aero EV in ten minutes from an ordinary 110V outlet has now been amended to "...SSC's "Charge on the Run™" onboard charging system allows for 10 minute full battery recharges on a 220V service." That's much better. Still not imaginable, but much better.

SSC is aware of the misgivings out there and will attempt to transform that doubt into a huge publicity opportunity with a demonstration of their All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP) technology at one of America's superspeedways following the official debut of the car. Company owner Jerod Shelby and some "notable" drivers will complete high-speed laps punctuated by 10 minute battery-recharging pitstops. If they successfully pull this off, we look forward to eating some of the most delicious humble pie ever known to man. Hit the jump to read all the reformulated claims and future green car plans.

[Source: Shelby Super Cars via EVcast]

In mid-2008, Shelby Supercars announced that it would follow up its 254 mph Ultimate Aero with an all-electric version. Unfortunately the company was sparse on details, with little more than the claim that it would have a pair of 500 hp electric motors. A new press release today yields a few more details, but unlike the initial specs these are far less believable. The 150-200 mile range might be plausible were it not for that 1,000 hp output. That's three times the output of a Tesla Roadster.

From there things really go off the rails. The car will reportedly use some kind of lithium ion battery pack with some sort of indeterminate nanotechnology. The company claims it will be rechargeable in only ten minutes. If SSC were using Altairnano batteries, that claim might possible. However, they claim it can be done in 10 minutes from a 110V outlet. For the sake of argument, with a 50 kWh pack (a conservative estimate to get anywhere near 200 miles) a 10 minute charge with only 110V would require over 2,700 A of current, something you will not get from any existing 110V outlet. Hopefully next time Shelby opens up, they will provide some real details that are actually credible. Thanks to Amy for the tip!

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

Shelby SuperCars, the American company behind the Ultimate Aero, the worlds fastest gas-powered production car (pictured above), has announced they will unveil the worlds fastest electric car, the Ultimate Aero EV in February of 2009. They say they won't wait years to release it to a salivating public either, giving Q4 2009 as a delivery date. They say it will have an "exotic Supercar exterior" but all engineering details are being closely held for now. The little bit they did say about the drivetrain makes us question whether or not the whole project is some sort of joke. Perhaps its just a typo. SSC claims it will feature twin 500 hp electric motors powered by a battery that won't need a charge for several years. Seriously.

If they do want to be the fastest, they will need that 1000 hp to surpass the amazing Eliica. That 8-wheeled wonder can hang with the Tesla under acceleration until the Roadster tops out around 120 and then continue on to reach 230 mph. Its secret is an 80 hp motor mounted behind each wheel. If SSC is serious about doing it "faster, leaner and cleaner than any other manufacturer", we'll let you know.

Correction: Changed six years to several years. Thanks Joseph!

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]