For Canadian carmaker Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corporation (EMV), the new age of electric cars for commuters and those environmentally conscious is not on the horizon—it is already here. But it may take some getting used to.
EMV has introduced its new 2017 SOLO electric vehicle (EV), a one-person car that has three wheels and a range of 100 miles. EMV says in order to make the driving force of workers more sustainable, SOLO will allow for a better urban commute because the vehicle is efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
The makers of the SOLO intend the car to be used for commuting only and not to replace any existing family cars. Source: Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. Admittedly EMV says SOLO is not intended to replace the family car but supplement workers who need a more efficient way to commute with minimal expense. The SOLO will be priced at about $15,000 at launch.
Of those that commute, about 80% do so by just going to and from work. A daily average round-trip commute is fewer than 40 miles, making a 100-mile range vehicle practical in most circumstances, the company says.
SOLO contains a 16.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and is built using composite aerospace material combined with an aluminum drivetrain that contributes to SOLO only weighing 1,000 pounds. Equipped with a universal power connector, it can go from zero to full charge in only three hours of charging time on a 220-volt charging station or six hours on a 110-volt system.
SOLO can reach a top speed of 80 mph and has enough power to accelerate from 0–60 mph in under eight seconds. It also contains a carpeted cargo space of about 10 square feet, as much as a Mercedes- Benz C300 Coupe. EMV says this is enough room for an airplane bag in the front storage area and enough volume for a large shopping cart in the rear compartment. The donuts will have to sit on your lap.
The inside of the SOLO includes an LCD instrument display, Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view backup camera and keyless entry. Source: Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. Inside the vehicle includes the usual automotive features such as heating, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry and rear-view backup camera. But it also includes an LCD digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth/USB connectivity.
SOLO will be available in numerous colors and will be equipped with daytime running lights, all-wheel disc brakes and an electric parking brake.
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