Automotive

Artega puts you behind the handlebars of an electric "road ATV"

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Artega lists a fairly zippy 4.5-second 0-50 mph time on the most powerful Karo variant
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
Artega reveals the Karo concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
Artega lists three different motor options ranging between 4 and 17 kW of continuous power
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
The Karo all-electric "road ATV"
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
The Karo features a Paragon digital instrument panel
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
The Karo debuted alongside the Scalo electric sports car
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
The Karo features leg wells for protection
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
Artega lists a fairly zippy 4.5-second 0-50 mph time on the most powerful Karo variant
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag
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The highlight of Artega's booth at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show was quite clearly the Scalo sports car, but the newly revived German outfit also applied its electric powertrain know-how to another debut show vehicle. An all-electric, sit-atop four-wheeler, the Karo is designed to combine the feel of a jet ski, ATV and motor scooter. It's a two-seat, road-going "fun mobile."

The Karo concept vehicle measures in at 81.7 x 51.2 x 45.4 in (208 x 130 x 115 cm) and has a wheelbase of 56.9 in (145 cm). Its pulsing heart is a high-performance synchronous motor wired up to a 5.3-kWh lithium-ion battery. That motor sends power to the rear wheels.

Artega plans to match motor and electronically-limited top speed options to specific German motorcycle license regulations. The top-level unit offers 17 kW (23 hp) of continuous power, 38 kW (51 hp) of peak power and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) of torque. Artega estimates a 0-50 mph (80.5 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). It lists range at up to 50 miles (80.5 km). Four disc brakes bring the wheels to a stop.

Billed as a "road ATV" and "fun mobile," the Karo seems less buttoned-up office commuter and more weekend escape machine. Artega says the chassis below the fiberglass body is inspired by race car design and built to deliver a go kart-like feel to the one or two riders above. The integrated high-strength steel-reinforced leg guards improve safety and provide splash protection. A digital high-resolution instrument panel displays system information.

The Karo features a Paragon digital instrument panel
C.C. Weiss/Gizmag

The Karo also includes a weatherproof Bluetooth speaker that plays music via smartphone or other connected device. It is removable, allowing you to use it both on and off the Karo. It charges off the vehicle battery when docked and offers up to four hours of play time when used on its own. The vehicle's 3-kW charger and cable are located on board to make charging easier, and Artega estimates a 2.5-hour charge time. An included wireless charging dock keeps your smartphone topped up.

We're not sure that all-electric road ATVs are in hot demand, but Artega does indicate that the Karo concept was prepared with production in mind, so it may very well join the Scalo on production lines.

Source: Artega

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9 comments
Milton
very cool.
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really cool.
It is like a four wheel version of the Can Am Spider.
Noah Mayer
Does this need to be licensed?
Chevypower
Not impressive. My off-road ATV goes 80mph. It also has the feel of an ATV :)
Bob
While this appears to have a little lower and wider stance than most ATVs, I would like a roll bar for highway driving. I know of too many bone crushing injuries where the ATV rolled over the rider. A sudden defensive maneuver on an ATV is not like laying the bike down on a motorcycle.
pwndecaf
I don't see this ever getting on the road in the US.
jerryd
I think many don't understand that one can ride this most anywhere that on a gas ATV would get the cops called. Even on Sunday morning. The ability to have fun without much noise means many local fields becomes usable as the noise is what many object to as I do. They also don't understand the EV torque will put their gas rigs to shame as all gas cars found out trying to race a Tesla EV and lost badly.
Timelord
Illegal on US roads. Four wheels are classified as a car, so it would need laminated glass windshield, seat belts, airbags, bumpers, etc.
VadimR
If this is priced reasonably and is made street legal in Illinois, count me in.