The all-electric Detroit Electric SP:01 sports car, claimed to be the world's fastest pure-electric production car,?has been officially unveiled in Detroit.
Limited to just 999 examples, the rear-wheel-drive, two-seater Detroit Electric SP:01 can hit 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 249km/h, all while producing zero emissions.
Built on a lightweight aluminium platform and featuring carbonfibre bodywork, the Detroit Electric SP:01 is powered by a compact, mid-mounted 150kW/225Nm electric motor teamed to a 37kWh battery pack – which can be seen via a transparent rear inspection window – delivering a range of about 305km between charges. While a full charge takes 4.3 hours, the SP:01 also employs regenerative braking technology, which uses?recovered kinetic energy from braking?to charge the battery.
Weighing 1068kg and featuring "performance-tuned" suspension, steering and braking systems, Detroit Electric intends the SP:01 to become the class-leader in performance, ride and handling.
Detroit Electric's chairman and group CEO, Albert Lam, says the all-new electric sports car will be exclusive, luxurious and technologically advanced.
"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."
While the exterior is highlighted by a low-slung, muscular stance and a removable roof –?reminiscent of the Lotus Elise?–?inside sees the use of carbonfibre and leather.
The cabin is also home to the SP:01's in-car infotainment system dubbed 'SAMI' (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) that uses smartphone applications to manage the car's music player, satellite navigation, interior lighting and monitor battery charge and vehicle range. The SAMI system can also act as a remote control unit, allowing owners to locate the vehicle, turn on the climate control system and check the car's charge status.
To be built at Detroit Electric's new production facility in Michigan, the US$135,000 ($129,300) SP:01 is due to go on sale in selected markets in August, before being joined by "a new family of all-electric production cars" that the company says will include two other high-performance models.
The Detroit Electric SP:01 is the first production vehicle to be marketed under the brand's name since 1939, with the electric car company starting life in 1906.
