Zoomi Life

When I saw this car, I had two reactions: “Holy @#$@#$ that’s bad!@#$!” and “Aww, you just suck.”  The first reaction was on seeing the car and finding out what it can do.  The second was on finding out who can drive it and why I can’t be one of those people.

The e1 is a current-production (limited, of course) electric race car designed by E-Wolf.  Various other lightweight body, frame, and power train specialists from Europe brought in the expertise to make the car reality.  Here’s what it can do:

• total curb weight of 1,102 pounds
• 0-62 miles in less than 5 seconds
• maximum speed of 143mph
• range of 200 miles

Now for the bummer: only jockeys can drive the thing.  Or at least, people under 150 pounds.  So we’re talking my wife, the dog, and maybe some underfed supermodels.  That’s about it.  The price tag is only €150,000.  Cheap!

The batteries and motor are pretty innovative and are a large part of the capabilities and very light weight here.  The batteries are lithium-ion cells from Li-Tec with a ceramic membrane that weigh only 185 pounds in total. (Assuming I’m reading the original right, as that seems awful light for the power and range.)

The motor is a 110kW AC induction, qudrapolar/liquid-cooled that puts out 150hp or 250Nm maximum torque (about 185lb-ft).  That from only 16kWh from those batteries.

The next generation of the e1 will be the e2 (how obvious is that?), being designed now.  It will be out in 2011 and will raise that max torque to 1,000Nm, be in a Lamborghini style 2-seater with roughly the same speed and range. That car, obviously, will be much larger than the e1’s punitive 3.33 meter length, 1.71 meter width and 1.22 meter height.  No wonder you have to be a jockey to drive the e1.  Eh?

Still, it’s awful cool to look at.