Automotive

Carice TC2 is the retro electric convertible you didn't know you wanted

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If James Dean were to have driven an EV, it might have been something like this
Carice
If James Dean were to have driven an EV, it might have been something like this
Carice
One 2.7-hour charge via the vehicle's Type 2 port is reportedly sufficient to get a fully depleted battery back up to 80%
Carice
The Carice TC2 complies with European regulations and can therefore be driven in all EU countries, and countries that adopt those regulations
Carice
A peek inside the Carice TC2's cockpit
Carice
The cabin features vegan leather upholstery, a brushed-steel dash (with toggle switches!) and a hardwood steering wheel
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Many electric vehicles look very cold and high-tech, alienating some potential buyers. The Carice TC2 two-seater convertible is different, in that it draws heavily on the retro-nostalgia factor. It's lightweight and peppy, to boot.

Looking like the lovechild of a Porsche 356 and a Nissan Figaro, the TC2 is made by Dutch EV manufacturer Carice. The firm was founded in 2011 as a Delft University of Technology spinoff company, and previously produced electric cars in small quantities on a made-to-order basis.

As far as basic specs go, the Carice TC2 measures 3,500 mm long by 1,580 mm wide by 1,220 mm high (137.8 by 62.2 by 48 in), and tips the scales at as little as 590 kg (1,301 lb) depending on configuration. The body panels are constructed of a proprietary composite material, which helps the vehicle maintain that low weight figure.

The Carice TC2 complies with European regulations and can therefore be driven in all EU countries, and countries that adopt those regulations
Carice

Buyers can choose between standard- and long-range battery packs, which are claimed to deliver a range of 200 and 300 km (124 and 186 miles) per charge, respectively. One 2.7-hour charge via the vehicle's Type 2 port is reportedly sufficient to get a fully depleted battery back up to 80%.

The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor with a peak power of 41 kilowatts, taking the TC2 up to an electronically limited top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). And while the car certainly looks fun to drive, no actual numbers are available for acceleration time.

"Honestly, we never measured this in figures," Carice CEO Richard Holleman tells us. "The car's low seating position and low center of gravity combined with the nice power-to-weight ratio gives everybody driving it a huge smile on their face."

A peek inside the Carice TC2's cockpit
Carice

The vehicle's classy interior is also a selling point, featuring vegan leather upholstery, a brushed-stainless-steel dash (with toggle switches!) and a hardwood steering wheel.

Like the company's previous EVs, the Carice TC2 is being built to order in limited numbers. The current production run is already sold out but a few spots are still open for the next run, which should ship in a few months. Pricing starts at €44,500 (about US$48,888).

Source: Carice

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9 comments
zort
I'm not too excited about that model but I hope it starts a trend and we start seeing some more with styles reminiscent of old T-Birds, Triumphs, Jags, etc.
yawood
I hope they offer alternate dashboard finishes, that one looks terrible.
Spud Murphy
I think it's a nice looking little car, but it falls into a particular category that many countries don't have. It can travel at highway speeds, yet has almost no safety features, like airbags, ABS etc.

The Fully Charged video on this vehicle stated it is an L7 microcar, the definition of those is "A vehicle with four wheels, other than that classified for the category L6, whose unladen mass is not more than 400 kg (550 kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods), not including the mass of batteries in the case of electric vehicles and whose maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 15 kW. (Microcars)".

So, it must have a continuous power rating under 15kW, yet it goes pretty well if you watch the video.

But anyway, the concept, of small and light EVs needs a lot more attention by manufacturers, I'm tired of almost every new EV being a 2 tonne+ SUV tank.
Robt
@yarwood Yes, it’s a bit over the top!
I think it’s called ‘turned’ aluminium
WONKY KLERKY
With note to the styling, especially the cockpit,
any relation to Meneer Spyker?
annevance
What a beauty !
Soft lines from Carice (van Houten).
This is exactly the answer to what I don't like from the modern sharp lined heavy overpowered cars.
TechGazer
I know I don't want it. That doesn't look like a good vehicle for Alberta winters.
jayedwin98020
Reminds me of an old 356, bathtub Porsche.

@TechGazer: Although, it would be a great little vehicle for Alberta summers!
Aross
The only thing missing is swappable battery packs. All EVs today and in the future should come with batteries that can be swapped out for a quick refuel. This relatively quick charge to 80% and then hours to get the last 20% is a joke.