Arnold Schwarzenegger launches all-electric G-Wagen

If the first electric car was a battery powered Mercedes-Benz G Wagen that could reach 0-100km in 5.4secs on its way to a top speed of 183km/h with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the helm, we’d all be fighting over charging stations by now.

Launched in Austria yesterday, the ‘Electric G-Class’ is a modified Mercedes-Benz G35O d, which has had its 155kWV6 turbo diesel ripped out and replaced with a heap of batteries and a series of electric motors.

These combine to produce 360kW, which sends it from a standing start to the ton in exactly the same time as the 400 kW 5.5-litre V8 twin-turbo AMG G63.

Schwarzenegger has actually been involved in the car’s development with Austrian firm Kreisel Electric, whose other projects include modified EV versions of the Skoda Yeti, Volkswagen Golf, BMW 3-Series Touring and even a Porsche Panamera.

The luxurious Electric G-Class has a “realistic electric range” of 300kms with a single charge and is equipped with high-performance batteries with a total capacity of 80kWh that can be charged to 80 percent capacity in just 25 minutes.

The batteries weigh 510kg and are fitted under the bonnet and at the rear in place of the fuel tank, meaning space and comfort are not compromised. Kreisel also claims the car has the same off-road capability as the diesel version.

And while there’s no one better to promote Kreisel’s products than a world famous Austrian tough guy cum politician with a strong views on alternative energy, Arnie is more than just a brand ambassador.

A long-time G-Wagen owner, the Terminator star apparently came up with the idea to modify his ride into an electric vehicle.

At the vehicle’s launch in Kitzbuehel, Austria the former Californian Governor said the car is a dream come true.

“This amazing off-road vehicle as a clean and fast electric car? A dream has become real!” he said.

“The initial test drive was a real pleasure: The Kreisel is incredibly sporty and perfectly benefits from the advantages e-mobility has to offer.

“It’s all electric and 500 horsepower. Can you image that? This is the new deal,” he added before hopping in with trademark cigar in mouth.

Schwarzenegger will test drive the prototype in Los Angeles and continue to develop it further together with Kreisel Electric.