Automotive

Vanderhall goes electric for latest open air roadster

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The Vanderhall Edison2 debuted at the 2017 Progressive International Motor Cycle Show in Long Beach, California
Vanderhall Motor Works
Two AC induction motors drive the Vanderhall Edison2's front wheels
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2 features single-sided swing arm coil-over suspension at the back
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2 auto-cycle has a ground clearance of 4.5 inches
Vanderhall Motor Works
"The Edison2 is the quickest Vanderhall we have ever produced," said the company's Daniel Boyer
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2 has LED front, rear and tail lighting
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2's 30 kWh Li-ion battery pack is reckoned good for over 200 miles per charge
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2 has LED front, rear and tail lighting
Vanderhall Motor Works
The Vanderhall Edison2 debuted at the 2017 Progressive International Motor Cycle Show in Long Beach, California
Vanderhall Motor Works
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It's not a motorcycle. Not a car either. The auto-cycle rolls somewhere inbetween – a three-wheeled go-kart on steroids is how we described the Polaris Slingshot, or maybe something Batman would ride through Gotham. Vanderhall Motor Works joined in the fun with the 2016 Laguna, and followed that model with the Venice Roadster. Both of those open-air two-seaters had gas engines running the show, but that's changed with the all electric Edison2.

Vanderhall's Edison2 has been built as a tribute an early 1900s electric vehicle collaboration between Thomas Edison and Henry Ford which, unfortunately, didn't make it past the prototype stage.

"The Edison2 is the quickest Vanderhall we have ever produced," said the company's Daniel Boyer.

Two AC induction motors drive the front wheels, quietly making 0 - 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 105 mph, there's 240 lb.ft (325 Nm) of torque on tap and 180 hp. Meanwhile, a 30 kWh Li-ion battery pack is reckoned to offer more than 200 miles (320+ km) of range per charge.

The Vanderhall Edison2's 30 kWh Li-ion battery pack is reckoned good for over 200 miles per charge
Vanderhall Motor Works

The two-seat electric roadster is built on an aluminum frame wrapped in ABS composite, and has a curb weight of 1,400 lb (635 kg) in a 70/30 split. It has a ground clearance of 4.5 inches, there are pushrod coil-over hydraulic shocks to the front and single-sided swing arm coil-over suspension at the back, rack-and-pinion steering with electronic assist, and Brembo brakes.

Inside, the Edison2 rocks black V-Tex synthetic upholstery, heated seats, dual-vent heating system and a 600 W Bluetooth-enabled sound system. And 2,400 cubic inches of cargo space.

The base edition Edison2 carries a suggested retail price of US$34,950, and will be "painted any color the customer wants – so long as it is black." Vanderhall is now taking pre-orders for a Q2 delivery.

Source: Vanderhall Motor Works

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3 comments
Grunchy
Resembles Peugeot EX1 of 2010...
Craig Jennings
Edison...... with an induction motor..... :D
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really nice.
It reminds me of the Morgan three wheeler. Perhaps a modern version of it? There is even an electric version of the Morgan three wheeler.