When one mentions electric cars, what do you think of? Do you think of those golf cart type cars? Hybrids don't count but what about the GM Chevy Volt or the Nissan Leaf? Those big brands are out there but don't put your money down quite yet. There are some new kids on the block for your perusal.
Arcimoto has been catching people's eyes-- most notably the engineering folks and also celebrities like Castle's Nathan Fillion who are prowling around waiting to pounce the new models to figure out which one they want to buy and how much they can amp it up.
I first heard about this vehicle on Twitter when Nathan Fillion was talking about it. I had heard hushed mutterings about a car out of Oregon but hadn't paid much attention. Once Filliion started tweeting about his test-drives in Oregon, I sent emails to the company and hoped to get a reply-- and I did!!
Earlier this year, I got an email and phone call from Jeremy Bonson (Arcimoto's Creative Director) saying they were going to be in LA and whether I would like a test drive. Never one to say no to something that is so ground-breaking, I jumped at the chance to see this car! Granted it was a Generation 4 prototype (Generation 5 is the production model) Arcimoto ramped up the cool factor by bringing along the company president Mark Frohnmayer and a few other company staffers along with bringing the car to me to test drive.. I was so thrilled that I set up a quick video interview with Mark along with a drive around the parking lot. First, here are some specs on the vehicle:
Generation 4 Platform Prototype Specifications
Specifications are subject to change
| Drive System | HPGC AC50 induction motor 5.13 : 1 ring and pinion gear reduction Front-wheel drive Regenerative braking system |
| Estimated Range | 40 miles, base pack, lead-acid batteries 80 miles, commuter pack, lithium iron phosphate batteries 160 miles, touring pack, lithium iron phosphate batteries |
| Ergonomics | Fully comfortable front and back seat |
| Safety | 3-wheel manual disc brakes Mechanically actuated parking brake 3-point seat belts Space frame design with full roll cage and crumple zone |
Article comments
1 - Bobolink
Who can even tell what they are saying? Spend a few dollars at radio shack for some wireless mics next time.
2 - Stevie Wilson
would love to see the 5th iteration which is the production version as well. They have the 4 models on their site.
3 - ACBooth
For taxes, tags, and insurance...is this considered a motorcycle? Any cities where they WON'T allow them on the streets? And, How Much and When available in Ga or Fl?
4 - Stevie Wilson
In California, this is considered a motorcyle -- and would also have some incentive for purchasing this kind of vehicle and it would be eligible for the HOV lane. (Note the information is only about California)
For the answers to your other questions, please query Arcimoto as they would be able to better inform you of the answers. I would only be going to them and they would be passing on information that should go straight to you and you would inevitably have MORE questions.