Brits develop £15,000 ultra-budget electric car with 160 miles (260km) of range
Warwickshire-based British company Mika has announced its new budget electric microcar priced up to £15,000 (about €18,150 or $19,040). The model promises to be a rival to the Citroën Ami, but surpass it in terms of performance, handling, safety and even interior roominess.
Here's What We Know
The novelty was created by Robin Hall, known for his Mika Meon ultralight buggy. The new EV is officially classified as an L7 class quad bike and has a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h).
The body is based on a strong frame made of pultrusion profiles, a composite material lighter than aluminium but with similar rigidity. Such a frame, reminiscent of an engineering solution from the Lotus Elise, creates a safety cage for passengers with front and rear deformation zones. According to Hall, the microcar's level of safety is up to modern standards.
Specifications:
- Length 3.4 metres
- Interior: three passengers (two in the front, one in the rear)
- Battery: 16kWh base battery, 32kWh optional.
- Range: 80 miles (130 km) in base version and 160 miles (257 km) with optional battery pack
- Motors: two 48-volt electric motors on the rear axle, which develop up to 20bhp in constant mode and up to 40bhp at its peak
- Weight: 450kg without batteries; each battery adds 100kg
Outlook
Hall plans to build a working prototype in 2025. He estimates that annual demand in the UK could reach several thousand units, but the company will need a partner to produce that many electric cars.
Source: Autocar
