First Detroit Electric SP:01 EV sports car manufactured

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After its initial reveal in prototype form back in 2013 to countless teasers shots of its rump and interior, the very first production Detroit Electric SP:01 all-electric sports car has finally rolled off the production line at the marque’s manufacturing facility in Leamington Spa, UK.

“We are thrilled to see our first production car roll off the line at our UK manufacturing site. Our first customer is sure to appreciate the unique experience of driving the SP:01 as we’ve worked hard to develop technologies that ensure it is one of the most rewarding pure electric sports cars to drive,” commented Albert Lam, chairman and group CEO of Detroit Electric.

To recap, the Detroit Electric SP:01 EV sports car features a carbon-fibre body and an aluminium chassis – power arrives courtesy of an electric motor that puts out the equivalent of 285 hp. Said electric motor is juiced up by a battery pack which is integrated into the chassis as a stress member – the battery offers an energy rating of “over 140Wh/kg.” As standard, the car comes with a single-speed auto transmission.

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Options include a twin-speed automatic gearbox and (surprise, surprise) a six-speed manual transmission – it is with the latter option that the Detroit Electric SP:01 can sprint from nought to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds before topping out at 249 km/h. Looks wise, you’re not wrong for mistaking it as a Lotus Elise.

The mode can, after all, trace its lineage back to the famed Hethel sports car. The main difference would be to scout around and come across the redesigned rump of the SP:01 – the car features a “fastback” style rear deck replete with “flying buttresses” as first seen on the prototype.

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Also, the Detroit Electric SP:01 arrives with a patented bi-directional charge and discharge system. Dubbed ‘360-Powerback’, the system allows owners to effectively convert their respective cars into a power source for both the grid and one’s home. A Battery Management System (BMS) gathers and sends data regarding the car’s battery health and on-board telematics to the factory.

Inside, the Detroit Electric SP:01 is equipped with an 8.4-inch Android-based tablet that serves as an infotainment system. Also, the car boasts an app-based system called SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment). Apart from providing access to apps and controls, SAMI allows owners to connect to the car remotely via GSM to turn on the climate control system, check the charge status and whatnot.

GALLERY: Detroit Electric SP:01 prototype

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

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