Detroit Electric Brings Lotus Engineering to Electric Cars

When two former LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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Engineering employees decide to launch their own electric car company, it should come as no surprise that the new car would have some Lotus components. That is exactly what has happened with the introduction of the Detroit Electric SP:01.

The SP:01 is based on the Lotus EliseLotus Elise Gen.2United Kingdom, 2002 > present21 versions
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chassis, but the engine is replaced by a mid-mounted electric motor that produces 201hp and 166lb-ft with a four-speed transmission. The battery pack has a 37kWh capacity and takes just over 4 hours to charge.

"The car will allow us to demonstrate to the world our ability to build an exciting and innovative product, one that displays outstanding performance coupled with strong green credentials, and which delivers an exhilarating driving experience,” said company CEO Albert Lam.

The Elise body panels have been replaced by carbon fiber and total weight is 2,354lbs, compared to 1,931lbs from an Elise. It plans to build 999 SP:01s, and it has set a factory in Wayne County, Michigan.

The interior has been replaced with leather seats and carbon fiber trim.  There is also an infotainment system that combines radio, navigation and vehicle system information.

Detroit Electric claims that SP:01 is the fastest production electric car in the world with its 155mph (249km/h) top speed. Acceleration is also brisk at 3.7 seconds to reach 60mph.  The batteries will give a maximum range of about 180 miles.

Production will begin in August for a base price of $135,000. It is planning two other models by the end of 2014.