Detroit Electric SP:01 bids fair to be world's fastest EV

Detroit Electric has pushed back the launch of its SP:01 electric sports car, but promises the model will be "the world's fastest pure-electric production two-seater sports car" when it goes on sale in 2016.

By Steve Cropley, Autocar UK

08 Jan 2015

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New SP:01 electric sports car will be built in the UK and will offer supercar-baiting performance

The two-seat model was first shown in prototype form at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2013, and was originally slated for launch in Europe and Asia in late 2014. Production is due to begin at Detroit Electric's Leamington Spa facility early this year, with late-stage prototypes currently in final testing.

Recent design changes incorporated into the final production version include a new underbody diffuser and rear wing to reduce lift, plus minor changes to the front air intakes to improve airflow.

The SP:01's lithium-ion battery packs, which grant the car a range of around 180 miles, have also been clad in a new protective casing which shields the cells from damage in the event of an accident. Power output from the electric motor is rated at 281bhp.

The company says the SP:01 will come with a top speed of 155mph (248kph) and a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.9sec. Tesla’s Model S manages the 0-100kph sprint in 4.2sec, but the recently announced dual-motor version is capable of 0-100kph in just 3.2sec.

Customers can already place orders for the new car, with early pricing information indicating a starting cost of around £100,500 (Rs 98 lakh). Standard specification includes carbon fibre body panels and a manual transmission, tough single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmissions are optional.

Inside, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system features in the place of a traditional instrument cluster, and also handles vehicle functions including satellite navigation and infotainment. Leather sports seats are available, while a range of upgrades allow customers to personalise their cars.

The company has also revealed that plans for a new 2+2 model and saloon are also under consideration. Those models would be engineered and assembled in Detroit, and arrive after the SP:01's launch.