Three-wheeled electric car unveiled by Canadian company
Digital Reporter
Saturday, September 10, 2016, 5:59 PM - Vancouver-based Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corporation (EMV) unveiled its 2017 one-seat, three-wheeled SOLO electric car Friday.
Pending approval by U.S. and Canadian regulators, the $19,888 vehicle could become available for purchase as early as November, The Associated Press reports.
According to Electra Meccanica spokespeople, two hundred people have already put down a refundable deposit of $250 for the Solo.
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Check out the new SOLO @luxurysupercar and on https://t.co/CRh9C6cZ3M pic.twitter.com/Cw2wodL1Jk
— Electra Meccanica (@ElectraMecc) September 10, 2016
The Solo is not intended to replace the conventional car, but rather designed to operate at minimal expense and efficiently as possible for the average commuter, said EMV's COO, Henry Reisner in a press release.
"It has appeal for driving enthusiasts, practical commuters and the environmentally conscious. We believe the SOLO will become the commuter vehicle of choice for the masses. The vehicle is non-polluting, very economical to operate and people will have a heck of a good time driving it too."
Solo developers say 80 per cent of commuters currently drive alone with the average daily round trip commute being less than 60 km, which means the vehicle would not require a charge due to its 160 km range.
The 1,000-pound Solo is equipped with a 16.1 kWh lithium ion battery. The car is longer than a Smart Fortwo at 10 feet. However, it sits much lower to the ground.
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The solo has one rear wheel and two front wheels and is classified as a car in Canada and as an autocycle in 41 U.S. states, The Associated Press reports. This means the driver is not required to wear a helmet or have a motorcycle license. The vehicle does not have safety features like airbags, though it is equipped with a backup camera and chrome-alloy tubes built for crash protection.
"Most people had a good idea of what the SOLO would become, but they will be impressed by its clever design and meticulous attention to detail," said Jerry Kroll, CEO of Electra Meccanica in the release. "It far exceeded our expectations."
SOURCE: Electra Meccanica | The Associated Press
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