Can we finally promote electric vehicles that don't weight +1000kg, and as aerodynamic as a brick? There is no way this is sustainable.
We need something like vélomobiles
But the problem is regulatory. China already has a number of under $5000 city cars that are perfectly fine for driving around. Problem is that they're completely illegal in Europe or US.
We utterly need a category of city vehicles that are barred from highways, can be driven in cities, and lack 90% of all the newer and ridiculously expensive safety features. We're moving in a direction where new cars are mandated to read the speed limits indicators and follow them. Honestly I'm hoping this particular piece of news is bunk, but it definitely wouldn't surprise me - regulators love regulations, car manufacturers love having extra features to sell, and it's fool-proof protection against cheaper alternatives.
A city car needs safety belts, and a built in speed limit. That's it.
Also not sure why you think electric vehicles are not aerodynamic – the Tesla Model S Plaid has a drag coefficient of 0.208.
.13 but I really need to drive around fewer behemoths to feel safe in it. Maybe a 4 wheel will make up for it?
Regardless, the lowest drag coeff cars in the world seem to be electric ones so GC's point is still... strange.
+ It's classed as a supermini, which can just about fit 4 adults. It's the same as a VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio.
+ Kerb weight of 970kg, which is less than ICE cars of a similar size.
+ Around €12,000 with incentives.
+ Top speed of 125km/h, so you can drive safely on highways (in the truck lane).
- Range is around 240km, but for its intention as a 'city car' that's more than enough.
- 1 star EuroNCAP rating.
- Battery doesn't have thermal management.