Automotive

Uniti One electric city car hits the streets for the first time

The Uniti team takes the One electric city car out for a test drive in the Swedish summer sun
Uniti
The Uniti team takes the One electric city car out for a test drive in the Swedish summer sun
Uniti

The One electric city car from team Uniti has spent much of its testing time indoors so far, but the company recently decided to take advantage of the glorious (northern) summer sunshine and take the electric micro car for a spin around southern Sweden.

Where Renault's similarly-sized Twizy quadricycle has a maximum range of 100 km, the One is promised to roll for 300 km (186 mi) before needing a recharge of its relatively small 22 kWh battery pack. That's almost in Nissan Leaf territory and claimed possible thanks to the vehicle's lightweight and energy-efficient design. A removable auxiliary battery unit can be charged up at home or in the office for an additional 30 km of range.

The two-seater is expected to be just 2.91 m (9.5 ft) long, 1.275 m (4.1 ft) wide and 1.428 m (4.6 ft) high and have a dry weight of 450 kg (990 lb). It will go from standstill to 80 km/h in 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), which again trumps the Twizy.

The passenger is seated behind the driver, who faces a tablet-like display in the middle of twin joystick handlebar steering controls and enjoys good visibility thanks to a relatively large windshield. A full suite of safety sensors for such things as collision avoidance will also feature.

The successfully crowdfunded Uniti One is expected to go on sale next year for a starting price of €14,900 (about US$17,300). The video below shows the vehicle being driven around the Swedish countryside.

Source: Uniti

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9 comments
Deres
In the end, the performance are better than a Twizy but the price is 50% higher at least ... And I do not imagine people doing 300 km in such a vehicle dedicated to urban center.
David F
So far so good. Looking forward to seeing testing in urban areas and in winter.
Rustin Lee Haase
$17,300 US dollars minus $7500 federal EV credit and this thing breaks the $10,000 mark. Interesting. Might still be better to buy a 3 year old Nissan LEAF off lease for <$10,000 but if you like the style and/or must have new... :-)
CAVUMark
I suggest the high-visibility colors only be offered. Maybe even add a rotating beacon !
Derek Howe
They love bringing back old shows like Fuller house, Rosanne, maybe next should be Family Matters, looks like we found Steve Urkel's new ride.
Wombat56
Deres, the Twizzy also came with a compulsory monthly battery lease cost which might change the value equation.
https://pushevs.com/2016/05/18/renault-finally-admits-the-problem-with-mandatory-battery-lease/
Trylon
"Almost in Nissan Leaf territory" isn't good enough when a used Leaf can be had for about half the price, with much more passenger and cargo capacity.
anthony88
Australia won't allow importation of such cars due to vehicle design rules designed for the protection of the public.
TomLeeM
Derek Howe, Erckel's new ride would be the new Microlino; an electric version of the BMW Isetta.
It seems rather cramped for two people.
I think it would be great as a 'last miler' for those who travel to cities via bus or subway. the last mile would be faster in that.