The Solo is not proposed to replace the conventional vehicle, but rather, it is meant to operate at minimal cost and as efficiently as possible for the average commuter, according to EMV’s COO, Henry Reisner said in an official statement. Plans are reportedly for first deliveries to begin sometime next year.
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Electra Meccanica is taking pre-orders for the Solo with a $250 refundable deposit. Power comes from a 16.1kWh lithium-ion battery and an AC synchronous electric motor. He believes the SOLO will one day become the “commuter vehicle of choice for the masses”, due to its being economical, fun to drive, and environmentally safe. It has a top speed of 80 miles per hour and goes from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8 seconds, which is equivalent to a Toyota Camry.
While the $19,888 sticker price can probably be found in the seat cushions of the multi-million dollar hypercars at the 7th annual show, the Vancouver-designed and -built Solo is the unabashed hometown favourite. The 2017 Electra Meccanica Solo is extremely small with its dimensions making it an ideal pick for office goers who live in busy metropolitan cities.
The biggest question with a purely electric vehicle is range, and Holland says the Solo can go about 160 kilometers on a full charge which takes about three hours.
Like Elio, and other trikes that have preceded it, the Electra Meccanica sounds like it’s wearing some very special goggles while considering at the appeal of its vehicle.
In part because of its chassis, made of aerospace composites-and because it doesn’t comply with passenger-car standards-the Solo has an official curb weight of just 992 pounds. 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). EMV says this is enough room for an airplane bag in the front storage area and enough volume for a large shopping cart in the rear compartment. Inside the vehicle includes the usual automotive features such as heating, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry and rear-view backup camera.
Electra Meccanica offers a bumper-to-bumper warranty package for two years of unlimited mileage and an eight-year battery warranty.
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At launch, the SOLO will be available in the following four primary colors derived from Electra Meccanica’s corporate palette: Titanium Silver, Electric Red, Raven Black and Arctic White.
