Vancouver-based ElectraMeccanica is set to debut its SOLO EV, an electric vehicle “uniquely-designed for city and suburban motoring,” at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This is the Canadian company’s first production model since releasing the limited edition eRoadster in 2019, an electric replica of the classic Porsche 356.
ElectraMeccanica SOLO
First unveiled in production guise in November last year, the all-electric SOLO EV is a compact single seater (hence the name) that boasts only three wheels and has been developed specifically for individual journeys in “high-density areas” of the city. This project is based loosely on the US’ most recent census, which claims upwards of 75 per cent of Americans drive to work alone, leaving three or more empty seats in the car. With ElectraMeccanica “rethinking electric mobility for the way most of us really will work, live and play in the 21st century and beyond,” the SOLO thus offers highly efficient, cost-effective motoring akin to a scooter or a moped, albeit while keeping the driver fully enclosed to the elements.
Highway capability then is far from a top priority, with the SOLO capable of just just under 130 km/h at full chat and a solid rather than exorbitant 160 km of electric range. ElectraMeccanica even recommends standard outlet charging at 110 volts.
Having already been presented at last year’s Los Angeles Motor Show, the SOLO will make its dynamic debut on the vaunted Goodwood hill this weekend, and will also be on display at the event’s ‘Electric Avenue.’
ElectraMeccanica SOLO
“I’m very proud to be part of the world-class Goodwood FoS event, showcasing our SOLO EV to UK and European audiences,” ElectraMeccanica CEO Kevin Pavlov explains. “The way we know travel today is outdated. Everything, from infrastructure to fuelling, parking and delivery, was built for and around the car instead of people – and as our needs, lifestyles and behaviours have changed, so too must the way we get around.
“At ElectraMeccanica, we’re embracing and building for that long-awaited change, and modernising mobility for what it needs to be today. I’m immensely looking forward to seeing the UK’s reaction to SOLO first-hand at Goodwood.”
Though ElectraMeccanica has not confirmed the size of the running gear mated with the motorbike chassis, reservations are now open for the SOLO EV, with prices starting at a very attainable $18,500.
