Check the website on this one. . .
http://www.lightningcarcompany.com/
The claimed performance numbers seem almost copied directly from Tesla: 0-60 MPH acceleration in 4 seconds, top speed 130 MPH, 250 miles per charge. However, some of the underlying technology is different.
It uses multiple wheel motors supplied by PML Flightlink, same as used in their Mini QED demonstration vehicle, and same that Zap say they are planning to use in the ZAP-X. The website doesn't specify, but I'm assuming four wheel drive, as that would allow them to reach the stated 700+ horsepower. One might well ask. . . With four motors and 700+ horsepower, why aren't the performance specs much *better* than the Tesla Roadster? I suspect the culprit is the single gear ratio. It can't be optimized for hard acceleration from a standing start, it can't be optimized for maximum top speed, it has to span the whole gamut.
The use of Nanosafe batteries is interesting, because they supposedly don't have the energy density of standard Li-ion cells. It'll be interesting to see if they can really achieve 250 miles range per charge.
In terms of styling, I have to say the car really looks fantastic -- sort of like an anglicized Corvette or Viper. The only thing I would quibble with are the two "swollen" looking humps behind the cabin, but otherwise I think it looks perhaps even better than the Roadster. I noted it has a two-piece removable hard top, and I wonder if that's the same thing as T-tops?
Development status is a big question. . . EV World suggested that several "petrol" prototypes were produced, and one of the gallery photos of the interior shows a prominent shifter knob. So I wonder. . . Is this some sort of dodgy kit car like the Mullen GT? Or is this a startup sports car maker who began working with a gasoline engine, then made a sudden strategic decision to turn their baby into an electric car?
The company is taking pre-orders, but there's nothing about cost or a delivery schedule. I do hope it gets made and mets the promised specs -- then the Brits can stop complaining about not being able to buy Roadsters, and it will further legitimize the whole electric car business.
http://www.lightningcarcompany.com/
The claimed performance numbers seem almost copied directly from Tesla: 0-60 MPH acceleration in 4 seconds, top speed 130 MPH, 250 miles per charge. However, some of the underlying technology is different.
It uses multiple wheel motors supplied by PML Flightlink, same as used in their Mini QED demonstration vehicle, and same that Zap say they are planning to use in the ZAP-X. The website doesn't specify, but I'm assuming four wheel drive, as that would allow them to reach the stated 700+ horsepower. One might well ask. . . With four motors and 700+ horsepower, why aren't the performance specs much *better* than the Tesla Roadster? I suspect the culprit is the single gear ratio. It can't be optimized for hard acceleration from a standing start, it can't be optimized for maximum top speed, it has to span the whole gamut.
The use of Nanosafe batteries is interesting, because they supposedly don't have the energy density of standard Li-ion cells. It'll be interesting to see if they can really achieve 250 miles range per charge.
In terms of styling, I have to say the car really looks fantastic -- sort of like an anglicized Corvette or Viper. The only thing I would quibble with are the two "swollen" looking humps behind the cabin, but otherwise I think it looks perhaps even better than the Roadster. I noted it has a two-piece removable hard top, and I wonder if that's the same thing as T-tops?
Development status is a big question. . . EV World suggested that several "petrol" prototypes were produced, and one of the gallery photos of the interior shows a prominent shifter knob. So I wonder. . . Is this some sort of dodgy kit car like the Mullen GT? Or is this a startup sports car maker who began working with a gasoline engine, then made a sudden strategic decision to turn their baby into an electric car?
The company is taking pre-orders, but there's nothing about cost or a delivery schedule. I do hope it gets made and mets the promised specs -- then the Brits can stop complaining about not being able to buy Roadsters, and it will further legitimize the whole electric car business.
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