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Scarlet Motors promises an open EV design process
It's not every day that you see a new EV manufacturer get started; it's even less common when the company promises a switch-up of the typical automaker's formula. Scarlet Motors has made its formal debut with an aim towards the same kind of openness in its electric sports cars that founder Julien Fourgeaud would be familiar with from his days at Nokia and the Symbian Foundation. In addition to giving a peek behind the curtain, Tesla-style, Finland-based Scarlet wants future (and eventually current) drivers to influence the design choices themselves, both through a dedicated community as well as Facebook and Twitter. We'll get more details in time, but those that just can't wait can sign up to the community beta and help shape what might become their next ride.
Artega SE electric sports car lines up to challenge Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster may not have many competitors that you can actually buy at the moment, but it looks like it can count on a bit of a challenge from German automaker Artega. It debuted its new Artega SE (short for Sport Electric) at the Geneva Motor Show recently, and it says it plans to produce 500 of them a year starting in 2012 at a cost of €150,000 apiece, or just over $200,000. In addition to some good looks, that will buy you a pair of rear-mounted electric motors that combine for 375 horsepower and a top speed "well over" 155MPH, along with a 37 kW lithium polymer battery that promises to let you "comfortably achieve" 124 miles under normal driving conditions. Of particular note, Artega says that the battery can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes using a commercial charging station, although it can of course also be charged at a slower rate at home. Still no word on availability outside of Europe, although if you're dropping two hundred grand on a car we're guessing the import costs won't pose too much of a problem.
Etox plans all-electric Zafer sportscar, could sell for around $20,000
It may not be ready to challenge Tesla just yet, but it looks like Turkish automaker Etox is about to get into the all-electric sportscar business with a vehicle that could cost considerably less than much of its competition. The company is reportedly now working on an electric prototype of its Zafer sportscar, and it says the car could run for as low as 30,000 to 35,000 Turkish lira (or roughly $19,000 to $22,000) when it eventually hits showrooms. Unfortunately, while the car will apparently boast a respectable 250 kilometer range, it isn't quite as fast as it looks -- the company says it'll top out at just 120 kilometers per hour, or 75 mph. It also looks like those plans for an actual production vehicle are still far from certain, as Etox is reportedly still waiting on government funding to get the assembly line moving.
