Defiant EV blends modern tech with old-school style

When it comes to electric cars, there tend to be two types – those that try to look totally normal (like the Tesla Model S) and those that look ultra-futuristic (like the Aptera 2e). Tennessee-based Shockwave Motors, however, has taken another approach. The design of its three-wheeled Defiant EV3 Roadster is distinctly "classic." It's the electric car that ZZ Top might drive.

Looking kind of like a retro version of the gas-powered DeltaWing, the 1,500-lb (680-kg) Defiant seats two passengers behind its center-located driver. Things like groceries or suitcases will fit in its trunk.

It has a top speed of over 70 mph (113 km/h), goes from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) within about 10 seconds, and has a range of up to 100 miles (161 km) per charge of its 100-amp/144-volt lithium-ion battery pack. That battery can reportedly be recharged from empty within eight hours, via a standard 120-volt wall outlet. Shockwave founder John McMillan tells us that buyers will likely have the option of going with a higher-capacity battery, which will offer a range of 175 miles (282 km). Regenerative braking should help it arrive at that figure.

There's no word on what sort of motor the final version will feature.

While some people might wonder about the stability of its delta trike design (with one wheel in the front), McMillan claims that its long wheelbase, wide rear stance and the majority of its weight being located in the back all keep it from flipping over in the corners.

Safety features include a tubular steel frame with a built-in roll bar, along with front and rear crumple zones. Road bumps are handled by a dual A arm suspension, coil-over shocks, and dual springs in both the front and rear.

John is hoping to begin production of the Defiant sometime next year. If you'd like one, expect to pay US$24,950 – that price includes a stereo system, heater and defroster.

You can see the prototype in action, in the video below.

Source: Shockwave Motors