Mercedes released details on a prototype it’s calling the SLS AMG E-Cell. The gullwing variant gets four, 12,000-rpm electric motors producing an equivalent 525 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque. It’s reported to go from 0-60 in just under four seconds.

The motors are placed near the wheels, but not in the hub, so they don’t count as unsprung mass. A 400-volt lithium-ion battery provides the juice.

Another big difference between the E-Cell and the standard SLS is the front suspension, which gets an independent multilink setup with pushrod damper struts. The vertically-arranged dampers in the series SLS took a hike to make room for additional drive shafts. No word on timing, but the E-Cell could see a small series production run.

Another team is headed for the grid at the TT Zero electric motorcycle race, this one a Nordic outfit led by an experienced road racer modifying a Honda race bike.

The Swedish Electric Racing Team follows MotoCzyzs in committing to the TT Zero, which recently split from the TTXGP to take over the race first held last year on the Isle of Man. The team was founded by Lars “Lasse” Nilsson, a former motocrosser and road racer who also worked as a mechanic spinning wrenches for race teams.

The team has picked up some impressive hardware on which to base its bike, buying a Honda CBR 600RR ridden by Anthony West for the now-defunct Stiggy Racing World Superbike team.

“We bought the Honda CBR 600RR because the frame design is well-suited to convert to an electric system and since the new parts are about the same weight and placement, we expect the handling to be very similar to the original bike,” Nilsson said. “We are really thrilled to be participating in the world’s greatest motorcycle race, although we have a lot of work to do between now and then to get the bike ready.”

SERT has lined up Chris Palmer to ride the bike in the June 9 race, which will be held on the famed Mountain Course during the storied Isle of Man TT motorcycle races. Palmer is no stranger to the TT, having racked up three wins and four podiums since his debut in 1990.

Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves hinted last year that they might be introducing an electric car, and now it has been leaked that the electric version will be of their flagship Phantom. The new electric Phantom is planned for late 2010 which will give them enough time to have everything in perfect place for 2012 London Olympics.

Price is still unknown but expect it to be more than the gas powered version which is currently priced at $380,000.