cars news 10: 2017 Electra Meccanica Solo is a 100-Mile, Single-Seat EV

Startup automaker Electra Meccanica officially unveiled its one-passenger, all-electric vehicle, the 2017 SOLO EV. With small dimensions and an estimated range of 100 miles per charge, the 2017 Electra Meccanica SOLO is targeted at city dwellers and commuters seeking fully enclosed and eco-friendly transportation.

Looking like a cross between a Toyota i-Road and a Polaris Slingshot, the three-wheeled SOLO features an 82-hp electric motor powering the single rear wheel. The 16.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides enough juice for an estimated 100 miles of range and can be fully charged in about three hours using a Level 2 power source (double that with 110V).

The Canada-based company says the SOLO should be relatively fun to drive, too. With an expected curb weight of just under 1,000 pounds, the SOLO is estimated to go 0-60 mph in about 8 seconds, while top speed is limited to around 80 mph. It should be easy to maneuver and park as well, with an overall length that’s just 14 inches longer than a Smart ForTwo (120 inches) and an overall width of 47.6 inches (about 17.9 inches narrower than the Smart).

Amenities are relatively basic and include power windows, keyless entry, backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, heated side-view mirrors, and an available air conditioner. A trunk located behind the driver provides 10 cubic-feet of cargo space. Also included is a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, though the battery pack will be covered for five years.

Electra Meccanica says the SOLO will start rolling off the production line by the end of this year and will be available in the U.S. with an MSRP of around $15,550 (based on current conversion rates). That’s priced similarly to the gas-powered 2016 Smart ForTwo or about half the price of a Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus EV (before tax credits).

Source: Electra Meccanica