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Automotive

Arcimoto SRK could be the elusive "inexpensive EV"

By Ben Coxworth
November 13, 2015
Arcimoto SRK could be the elusive "inexpensive EV"
The Generation 8 SRK appears to be neither car nor motorcycle – although legally-speaking, it's the latter
The Generation 8 SRK appears to be neither car nor motorcycle – although legally-speaking, it's the latter
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The SRK reportedly gets an estimated 230 MPGe (1 l/100km equivalent), can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h)
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The SRK reportedly gets an estimated 230 MPGe (1 l/100km equivalent), can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h)
SRK buyers who don't want to be rained on can opt for side panels with a built-in vertically-rising Eagle Wing Door
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SRK buyers who don't want to be rained on can opt for side panels with a built-in vertically-rising Eagle Wing Door
The SRK "Deliverator" package
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The SRK "Deliverator" package
The Generation 8 SRK appears to be neither car nor motorcycle – although legally-speaking, it's the latter
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The Generation 8 SRK appears to be neither car nor motorcycle – although legally-speaking, it's the latter
The planned base price for the Generation 8 SRK is US$11,900
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The planned base price for the Generation 8 SRK is US$11,900
View gallery - 5 images

Much as the battery range of electric cars is improving, most of them still aren't able to make long road trips on one charge. Given that this more or less limits them to around-town use, some people might wonder … is a full-on electric car really necessary for that sort of driving? The designers at Eugene, Oregon-based Arcimoto apparently don't think so. That's why they're about to officially unveil the 8th version of their electric motorcycle/car hybrid, the SRK.

Arcimoto has been working on various versions of the SRK for the past eight years. Although the vehicle may at first appear to be a straight-up three-wheeled car, a closer look reveals two inline seats and a motorcycle-style handlebar with throttle and brake levers.

The 1,023-lb (464-kg) Generation 8 SRK is being trotted out before the public for the first time this Saturday (Nov. 14th). It reportedly gets an estimated 230 MPGe (1 l/100km equivalent), can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). Power is delivered to the front wheels by two front-located motors.

The planned base price for the Generation 8 SRK is US$11,900
The planned base price for the Generation 8 SRK is US$11,900

The base model's 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack will take "two humans and their gear" up to 70 miles (113 km) on one charge, while an optional 20-kWh pack boosts that figure to 130 miles (209 km).

Passengers are protected by a full roll cage, seat harnesses, and front and rear crumple zones. Buyers who don't want to be rained on can also opt for side panels with a built-in vertically-rising Eagle Wing Door. If they're more interested in using the SRK for deliveries, they can go for a package that replaces the back seat with an enclosed cargo area.

Because the SRK is officially classed as a motorcycle, it doesn't have to the meet the demanding safety standards required of a car. As advertising folk would say, "Those savings are passed on to you" – the planned base price for the Generation 8 is US$11,900. Arcimoto hopes to release it within the next year or two, and is already taking $100 deposits from prospective buyers.

The vehicle can be seen in action, in the video below.

Source: Arcimoto via Popular Science

The Arcimoto Story - The Everyday Electric Vehicle - #FutureIDrive

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Automotive
21 comments
Ben Coxworth
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.

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21 comments
Timelord
About as vaporous as the Elio.
Derek Howe
hmmm, interesting. I love the idea of keeping my truck in the garage and only using it when I need to haul something or when old man winter unleashes his fury. I could use this thing 90% of the time. I love the price tag, distance is good (since its small stature tells you its designs for short commutes). Only downsides that stick out to me is that I would need to get a motorcycle license to drive it, and that it doesn't lean into the turns...that's a bummer. It actually has a lot in common with Lit Motors C1...which is another vehicle I though was awesome, and really wanted...that was 3 years ago...I think they have gone tits up, because I haven't seen ANY new info from that company. But anywho, good luck to them, if they can keep the price affordable, I just might be a customer.
Daishi
I really like the idea and I think it's overdue. I also think they are smart to try to launch in WA, OR, and CA with the first vehicles before expanding.
At around $250/kW for lithium ion batteries currently the battery in the 12-kWh model would be $3,000 which seems in line with their pricing. It might be $200/kW or cheaper for Lithium ion batteries when they begin shipping. I really hope they get the support they need to make this happen because this is the car that really needs to get built.
I'm usually pretty skeptical of these kinds of things but it's the right product and I am totally rooting for them.
If you drive the national average of $15,000 miles/year you save almost $10k over 5 years buying electricity instead of gasoline so this would almost pay for itself as a commuter car. I wish them the best in getting this launched and I'd probably even buy one.
Jimjam
Does it come with aircon?
I think the enclosed version is a big improvement, otherwise like a regular bike you'd have to wear/carry all weather gear.
It would be nice if a future version came with some kind of super tough carbon fiber side panels for side impact protection.
Dax Wagner
Needs a solar array on that roof to charge the batteries.
mhpr262
Open front wheels and no doors - after the first muddy puddle you drove through you will be drenched frome head to toes.
oldguy
Yes, I think this getting very close to a workable electric car. Will there be a pickup truck version for small businesses, electricians, plumbers etc?
Keith Reeder
I like this A LOT - but given that c. $12k will translate to c. £12k in the UK, I don't know that it qualifies as "inexpensive"
watersworm
A little bit more for "more" than Renault's Twizzy, electric, two-passengers, four wheeled, and 7700€ (approx 8500$) but need to rent batteries between 54€ and 78€ monthlt, depending on your annual mileage. Don't know what would be the purchase price with batteries included ?
Jugen
Good on 'em. Getting the price down will be the key. I lived only with a motorcycle once, free parking anywhere anytime and not being held up in traffic where the two major advantages that made it worth putting up with all the gear and weather. If they brought the wheels in narrower and made it lean then it would almost be like a motorcycle in heavy traffic.
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