Detroit Electric SP:01: the fastest electric car

Had the Lotus Elise platform never existed, Tesla might never have built the Roadster, the first road-going electric car designed purely for performance. Even with the Roadster’s pioneering credentials, it does not exceed 200 km/h thanks to its limiter. But the Detroit Electric SP:01 goes a step further and becomes the fastest with its 250 km/h.

Detroit Electric presented its SP:01 at the Shanghai show, once again an electric car based on the Lotus Elise, with a 201-hp electric motor and a carbon-fibre body. Interestingly, Detroit Electric’s engineers have chosen to fit the original manual gearbox of the Lotus Elise, although with only four speeds, compared with the six of the petrol model. Those who want an automatic gearbox can opt for a two-speed unit instead.

The SP:01’s range is more than 320 kilometres, provided civilised speeds are maintained, since at 250 km/h the range is seriously affected. But there is more to the SP:01’s intelligent use of energy: if sufficient charge is kept in the batteries on reaching home, the same car can supply electricity to the house, thanks to the 360 Powerback system, in the event of a power cut on the grid.

In addition, the SP:01 features a regenerative energy system capable of recharging the batteries during deceleration and braking, and it also offers ESP and ABS. And since smartphone applications could not be left out, the SP:01 also offers the SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment System) app, which allows remote management of battery charging or climate control, as well as tracking the vehicle’s location at all times; SAMI also offers satellite capabilities, control of the multimedia system, navigation and interior lighting.

The price of the SP:01, the first car Detroit Electric has built since 1939, is 156,000 euros at current exchange rates for the Chinese market. The world premiere took place in Shanghai, with an initial run of 999 units, of which 35 have already been sold, though the reborn American brand may market it in other parts of the world.

Via | WCF