The all-electric Whip LiFe from Atlanta-based automaker Wheego will be making its debut at this month’s LA Auto Show. Not to be confused with the luxury hybrid LIFECar being developed by Morgan Motors in the U.K., the LiFe is designed as a practical little runabout and it looks... well, it looks pretty “Smart.”
The LiFe two-seater is propelled by an AC 50 brushless motor, delivering a peak 60 hp, 128 Nm of torque and a top speed of 65mph (105 km/h). It’s powered by a 115 V Lithium battery back, that provides a range of about 100 miles (161 km) and takes about five hours to charge from 50 to 100 percent, via a 240 V outlet – it can also be charged from a 120 V outlet, but it will take longer.
The car comes standard with dual airbags, ABS and the various accoutrements people expect from automobiles such as an AM/FM CD player with MP3 and USB ports, plus power steering, windows, locks and mirrors.
It also has a proportional regenerative braking system, to help extend its battery range.
The LiFe is currently in production, and should be arriving at about 20 dealerships around the U.S. starting late this month. It has a base price of US$32,995, although it may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Wheego has already been selling what is essentially a slower version of the same car, called the LSV or Low Speed Vehicle.
