# Another electric car company: Detroit Electric **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [April 4, 2013, 11:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764 "2013-04-04T11:55:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BigRon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/58956e/32.png) [@BigRon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BigRon)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 11:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/1 "2013-04-04T11:55:16Z")
> The SP:01 uses bespoke bodywork constructed for Detroit Electric, made entirely out of carbon fiber, and is supplied to the company as a rolling chassis (Lotus Exige). The 90.6-inch wheelbase, fully independent front and rear suspensions, and front anti-roll bar are all retained, though the Lotus’ Eibach coil springs and Bilstein damper rates have been modified to match the SP:01’s unique weight distribution. The car still uses a mid-rear configuration – motor and battery pack in the middle, power sent to the rear wheels – and comes with a removable body-colored hardtop. That electric powerplant is visible through a transparent hatch integrated into the rear bodywork, and buyers will be able to choose from three different alloy wheel designs, as well as seven exterior colors including the Electric Blue you see here. > > Inside, the SP:01 has an integrated smartphone in the center console that controls all of the car’s auxiliary functions, and the entire cockpit is finished in swaths of leather and carbon fiber trim. That smartphone system, named SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) includes amenities like navigation and a music player, while allowing the driver to adjust the regenerative braking and interior lighting, as well as viewing key status points for the vehicle’s operation (level of charge, range, etc.). And yes, it makes phone calls. > > But the heart and soul of the SP:01 is what’s behind those seats – an electric propulsion system that Detroit Electric says will make its vehicle the “fastest-ever production electric car,” stating that it will be able to reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and will carry on to a top speed of 155 mph. (Tesla Roadster was 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.) Price $135k More: > **[Detroit Electric SP:01 picks up where the Tesla Roadster left off - Autoblog](https://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/)** > > We won't fault you if the name Detroit Electric has fallen off your radar. After all, the company is best known for producing around 13,000 electric vehicles in the early 1900s, not to mention a revival from the Zap brand that, well, Looks like they also want to make a hatch and sedan > **[Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014 - Autoblog](https://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/)** > > Detroit Electric revealed its new SP:01 electric sports car (pictured) at Detroit's historic Fisher Building Wednesday – the same place where the company's headquarters are located – marking the rebirth of a marque that had been dormant since 1939.... ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/baker/32/5423_2.png) [@Baker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 12:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/2 "2013-04-04T12:31:06Z")
Is it just me or does it seem crazy that this costs $135k when you can just buy an Exige for half the price and roughly the same performance specs? ---
**Author:** ![MR.TWOSINISTER](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mr.twosinister/32/6198_2.png) [@MR.TWOSINISTER](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MR.TWOSINISTER)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 12:44pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/3 "2013-04-04T12:44:20Z")
If i remember, the Exige isnt 3.7 seconds 0-60, but still, for roughly 1/2 price… ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 12:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/4 "2013-04-04T12:47:44Z")
early adapters don’t buy for value. ---
**Author:** ![BigRon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/58956e/32.png) [@BigRon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BigRon)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 12:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/5 "2013-04-04T12:48:50Z")
I also have to believe the Exige does not have an all carbon shell. But what you are paying for is expensive batteries and electric motors, not a toyota 4 pot. Over priced, sure, but within that limited market/volume there is a high demand to be seen as a rich tree huger. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/baker/32/5423_2.png) [@Baker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 12:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/another-electric-car-company-detroit-electric/229764/6 "2013-04-04T12:56:12Z")
> [@BigRon](#): > > I also have to believe the Exige does not have an all carbon shell. But what you are paying for is expensive batteries and electric motors, not a toyota 4 pot. Over priced, sure, but within that limited market/volume there is a high demand to be seen as a rich tree huger. Very true. The people that will buy these will not buy them because they are a great deal or to save money on fuel.