If one doesn’t need or want a fancy supercar like the Tesla Model S, or even a relatively “normal” car like the Nissan LEAF, but still desires to go electric, what can one do? Get one of the smart cars that are becoming a more common sight in many large cities perhaps? Or a Renault Twizy if in Europe?
On that note, I was recently made aware of the “Spira” — which is a rather interesting-looking, low-cost vehicle that can be purchased as either an electric or a gasmobile.
I rather like the tag-line used in the advertising: “Soft. Safe. Sexy.” 🙂
Here are some details for the electric version: a 140-mile single charge range (via 144 amp hour batteries); a top speed of 70 miles per hour; a 300 miles-per-gallon-equivalent fuel-economy rating; one or two 10 kilowatt 72 V motors; a starting price of $10,000 plus shipping; and a build made mostly of lightweight foam, fiberglass, and plastic.
As one can see from the picture above, the design is a 3-wheeled one. Vehicle dimensions are 57” wide x 49” tall x 107” long (1450 x 1250 x 2700 mm).
Here’s a video of the vehicle in action:
More information about the electric offering from Spira, and the gasmobile offering as well, can be found here.
Image Credit: Spira
Thanks! I went to their site and read the history. Wish they’d provide more details about interior, etc. The whole safety concept – that it’s designed to nose pedestrians out of the way (with foam nose) rather than run over them – the bamboo being such a great structural material – cheap, exceptionally strong. I keep thinking this could be the perfect second car.
This looks like the electric version of the elio. Neat design!
Except the Spira is a tricycle, and the Elio is a reverse trike. Can’t forget about the Arcimoto SRK – they are taking deposits now, and it is built in the US.
Yup. Of the three, I like the Arcimoto srk…it just looks safer and the reason behind the creation of the car is compelling. Like Elon Musk but starting with an affordable everyday car for the masses.
I struggle to think how vehicles like this can be commercially successful. Is it intended for people who cannot afford a 4 wheel car, or as a pleasure vehicle?
I could see it as either though someone who couldn’t afford a 4 wheel car could also just buy a used version…like a Leaf for the same price.
I definitely want something like this but I wonder if any US company will insure it until it’s gone through official crash testing and had a little history… These cars would look a lot nicer as a single color instead of charcoal black plus whatever. The one in the video looks much nicer than the ones in the photo. It’s not clear which is newer or if they’re different models.
Safety is my big concern. I’m interested to see what these (and others like Elio) are rated when run through the formal process. If they can make it through that, I could see them doing very well though when put up against an SUV in traffic…safety turns into a one sided game very quickly imho.
Keep in mind the elio found a loop hole to be classified as a motorcycle… so the expected 5 star rating is at a different standard than for cars.
Good point. I’m still curious but given what must be a lower bar, I would expect it to fare better.
Yeah, not confident it would be insured.
$10k can buy a used Nissan Leaf. I think that is far better value for money. EVs can last a very long time, because they are so simple. They are a great deal even if they need a new battery every decade or so.
Good call. These feel like they are for a different target audience and I would expect would also have some rebates available so the price could be lower…at least for the EV version.
Sure, this is a different vehicle, much like Twizy, except with fewer wheels and lower stability. Different markets have different needs, so in theory it could become a big hit somewhere, but so far Twizy has not.
Twizy is not available in dealerships to my knowledge. I could see it doing well in cities…maybe best used as a car share vehicle.
Kyle – I am super confused – Twizy is in production and Spira is not. You know that, right? It is currently not for sale in the USA, but I have seen a few at shows.
Right – I’m curious to see what EV buyers think of the Renault Twizy (or its twisted cousin the Nissan Scoot Quad…or whatever its name is). I think it would do well in US cities.
Agreed.