Detroit Electric have announced during the last month the introduction of a brand new electric car. The car is finally here – a stunning two-seater electric sports car, dubbed the SP:01, based on a Lotus Exige.
The Detroit Electric SP:01 actually boasts the chassis of the Lotus Exige alongside a mid-mounted electric motor which generates 201 HP (150 kW) and 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque. The engine works with a lightweight battery pack. The look of this car is able to prove the influences that come from the Lotus Exige, even though the doors, windshield and mirror stalks are different. Suffice to say, the exterior panels are crafted from sturdy, lightweight carbon fiber.
According to Detroit Electric, the SP:01 is the “world’s fastest pure-electric production car”. It may be so, as it is able to reach a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) and to sprint from naught to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 3.7 seconds. Weighing just 1,067 kg (2,354 lbs), it is standard fitted with a 4-speed manual transmission. For some more money, Detroit Electric are able to equip it with a 2-speed automatic gearbox. Furthermore, the 37 kWh battery manages to provide 190 miles (306 km) of continuous travel and will take only 4.3 hours to be fully charged again from any home charging unit.
In addition, the standard fittings include AP front and Brembo rear disc brakes, regenerative braking and ABS, riding on 225/45 R17 tires at the rear and 175/55 R16 ones at the front. It also comes with a bi-directional discharge and charge system able to turn the SP:01 into a mobile energy unit – yes, this means the owner is able to use the car as a generator for his/her home. The system that makes it all possible has been dubbed the 360 Powerback and it’s quite a smart one.
According to Detroit Electric, the SP:01 will be manufactured at the brand new plant in Wayne Country, Michigan, which of course belongs to Detroit Electric. The SP:01 will be a limited edition, of just 999 units, each of them priced at $135,000. They will enter production in August. Finally, the car comes with a standard 3-year or 30,000-mile warranty and the producers will extend the warranty of the battery to 5 years or 50,000 miles at a higher price.
[WorldCarFans]
