The world’s lightest & fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car, the Detroit Electric SP:01 goes on sale in China.

• First production-specification Detroit Electric sports car rolls off the company’s UK assembly line
• Detroit Electric distributor for China, Jowett Motors, is presented with first vehicle
• Initial SP:01 will serve as a demonstrator vehicle for prospective customers

The first production-specification Detroit Electric sports car has rolled off the UK assembly line and has been exported to China, as the electric vehicle company’s expansion in Asia continues.

The first SP:01 pure electric vehicle was handed over to Detroit Electric’s new importer for China, Jowett Motors (Asia) Ltd, in a ceremony at the company’s main assembly plant in Leamington Spa, UK.

The white SP:01 was presented to Dr Richard Lee, Chairman of Jowett Motors, by Detroit Electric Head of Engineering, Ben Boycott. It will be used as a demonstrator vehicle to fulfil a stream of enquiries from prospective customers that followed the appointment of Jowett Motors last April and the appearance of the SP:01 at Auto Shanghai 2015.

This handover of the first SP:01 marks another major step forward in Detroit Electric’s continued expansion and investment in the Asian region, where the company hopes soon to announce the appointment of a distributor for Japan.

Commenting on the latest developments in Asia, Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric, said: “We are extremely proud to team up with Jowett Motors, a company that has an exceptional track record in the establishment and selling of exclusive, high performance sports cars in the Chinese market.

“Jowett Motors’ desire to join us as we prepare for full-scale production and sales of our upcoming range of pure electric vehicles is a huge endorsement of our products and brand, and a demonstration of their confidence in the progress we are making in Asia and around the world,” he added.

Jowett Motors’ owner and management team have been importing renowned sports car marques from Italy and Germany to China for over 23 years.  Dr Lee said at the handover: “We were honoured and excited to be selected as Detroit Electric importer for China and we are now delighted to receive the first production-specification SP:01. Our many potential customers in China have been looking forward with relish to this chance to experience the SP:01 close-up in our country.

“The new SP:01 sports car is a diamond and a collectable item in itself.  It has super car look and feel and, of course, it delivers supercar performance,” he added.

The Detroit Electric SP:01, the world’s lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car, goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming months. It promises blistering acceleration, reaching 60mph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) and a sprint to an impressive top speed of 155mph (249km/h).

Featuring a 285HP / 210kW electric motor and carbon fibre body panels, the car is fitted with a single speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of both twin-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions. The SP:01 is supplied with both hard and soft tops as standard. The battery in the SP:01 has been integrated into the chassis as a stressed member, adding stiffness to enhance handling and safety. The military grade, lightweight high density lithium battery is the most energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world, offering over 140Wh/kg, benefitting range while keeping overall vehicle weight low.

The worlds Fastest and lightest pure electric two seater sports car has just had it's first car off the line in the UK

• First SP:01 pure electric sports car is produced at Leamington Spa, UK, facility
• All-new high-performance model destined for first customer
• SP:01 is the world’s lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car

The first production Detroit Electric SP:01, the lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car in the world, has rolled off the line at the company’s Leamington Spa manufacturing facility. The new SP:01 is destined for one of Detroit Electric’s export markets to be delivered to the EV company’s first customer.

The lightweight SP:01, which goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming weeks, combines a carbon fibre body with an aluminium chassis. It has a class-leading power to weight ratio and promises blistering acceleration, reaching 60mph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds* (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) and sprinting to an impressive top speed of 155mph (249km/h). 

Featuring a 285HP / 210kW electric motor, the car is fitted with a single-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of twin-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric commented: “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.

“Seeing our vision realised is hugely satisfying and we can now focus on fulfilling a growing bank of orders. As our production process builds momentum, we look forward to providing this unique electric sports car to our customers all over the world,” he added.

The battery in the SP:01 has been integrated into the chassis as a stressed member, adding stiffness to enhance handling and safety. The battery is the most energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world, offering over 140Wh/kg, benefitting range while keeping overall vehicle weight low.

Every Detroit Electric comes with built-in bi-directional charge and discharge capability. Made possible through the patented Detroit Electric home charging and power back-up unit – named ‘360-Powerback’ – the unit turns the vehicle into a power source for both the grid and the home. 

An advanced Battery Management System (BMS) gathers data about the car’s battery health and on-board telematics communicate it directly to the factory.

The SP:01 comes equipped with an app-based system called ‘SAMI’ (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment), which utilises Android technology and is fully compatible with Android Auto, providing safe access to a host of apps and internet functionality. 

SAMI allows users to search for nearby roadside charge points and then pre-book charging time, as well as review billing and credit information relating to their charge-point use.

When away from the SP:01, owners can use SAMI as a remote control unit via GSM, enabling them to locate the vehicle, turn on the climate control system and check the charge status. 

When in the car, the SAMI-enabled smartphone is installed in the centre console and becomes the interface for a wide range of functions, including music player, satellite navigation, regenerative braking adjustment, interior lighting and vehicle systems status – such as the level of battery charge, range to recharge and other telemetry.

Detroit Electric has established distributors throughout Europe and Asia extending from the North (Iceland and Norway) and the East (Azerbaijan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong) to the South (South Africa), with additional countries due to join the growing global network over the coming months.  

Retail prices for the SP:01 in Europe and Asia will be announced shortly.

Detroit Electric extends its global distributor network to four new countries.

• Detroit Electric extends its global distributor network to four new countries
• Fastest pure electric two-seat sports car will soon be retailed in Azerbaijan, Iceland, Norway and South Africa
• Signing of new distributor contracts coincides with visit of SP:01 sports car to inaugural European Games events in Baku

Detroit Electric is continuing to establish its global dealer network with the announcement this week of four new distributors for the EMEA region, as the company prepares for the launch of the exciting SP:01 electric sportscar.

The new distributor relationships will pave the way for the sale of Detroit Electric vehicles in Azerbaijan, Iceland, Norway and South Africa. The news follows the recent signing of dealers for China and South Korea.

The latest of these new distributor contracts was announced during the staging of the inaugural European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan. During the games, the Detroit Electric SP:01 pure electric sports car was seen around the city at a number of high-profile events. The SP:01 was showcased at the Elektra Events Hall and at the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre, where a number of Azerbaijan government ministers and VIPs were attending the launch of a new fast-charging network in Azerbaijan.

The new Detroit Electric distributor for Azerbaijan is GreenCar LLC, an established electric vehicle sales company. Since it was founded GreenCar LLC has focused on bringing to market innovative technologies that support the reduction of vehicle emissions across Azerbaijan.

The new distributor for both Iceland and Norway is Carpoint, a company that has specialised in retailing electric vehicles since 2008. With offices in Trondheim and Oslo, Carpoint is planning to expand to all the major cities in Norway and is dedicated to providing efficient, reliable and environmentally-friendly vehicles to its customers.

Trond Michael Andersen, Chairman of Carpoint, said: “Partnering with Detroit Electric is a key part of an exciting new chapter for Carpoint, and it means that electric vehicles can reach an even wider audience. It’s important that electric cars are increasingly accessible to the masses looking for day-to-day transport, and it’s great for the sector that the SP:01 now brings added diversity – an aspirational model able to rival iconic sportscars from established brands.”

GridCars, the new South African distributor, was co-founded in 2009. In addition to selling electric cars, the company has designed a commuter car scheme using exclusively electric vehicles. Responding to a gap in the market, GridCars is creating an open charge-point operating system that can be used across South Africa. The company has also created software systems that manage vehicle telemetry data and communicate with relevant electric vehicles. GridCars has diversified into developing AC charge points, which are already used by Nissan and BMW.

Winstone Jordaan, MD of GridCars commented: “The partnership with Detroit Electric is an important milestone for GridCars, allowing us to leverage the top end of the EV market as well as the bottom end through our Commuter Car scheme. With our experience in electric vehicles we are well positioned to support the vehicles technically and provide high standards of aftercare to Detroit Electric customers.”

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric, added: “Developing the EMEA distributor network is a vital part of our rollout plan, and GreenCar, Carpoint and GridCars all have exceptional track records in the electric vehicle markets in their respective countries. The enthusiasm and support we have received from these three new distributors says much about our vehicles, our brand and the progress we are making.”

Detroit Electric launches first ever car, well, not really it is a Lotus with a battery and new badge.

• Exterior and final interior designs for SP:01 pure-electric sports car revealed
• On-road testing of SP:01 under way, ahead of start of production in early 2015
• SP:01 features bold new fastback design and futuristic, sporty interior
• Range of interior and exterior enhancements available at introduction
• Detroit Electric announces the appointment of Integrated Energy of South Korea as its first importer and distributor in Asia

Detroit Electric has revealed the confirmed interior and exterior designs of its SP:01 pure-electric sports car, the next significant step in the re-birth of the iconic electric vehicle brand. Pre-production prototypes are currently undergoing extensive testing at Detroit Electric’s state-of-the-art production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, ahead of the start of production in early 2015.

The lightweight SP:01 will be the world’s fastest pure-electric production two-seater sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America next year. The SP:01 features a 285 HP / 210 kW electric motor, carbon fibre body panels and manual transmission as standard. An optional single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmission are also available. The SP:01 promises to deliver blistering acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and an impressive top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Exterior design

The design of SP:01 has been subtly updated since the prototype was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment.

The most striking element of the design is the new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window.  A large sculptural rear wing and under-body diffuser have also been incorporated to reduce lift and improve handling at higher speeds.

A range of exterior styling options will be available from launch, including a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, diffuser and battery cover. Metallic paint options for the SP:01 include Performance Black, Performance Blue, Performance Green, Performance Orange and Performance Silver, as well as ‘Special White’ and ‘Special Red’. Customised paint colours are also available.

Interior design

In harmony with the bold exterior, the cabin of the SP:01 evokes the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Performance’ through a futuristic, sporty design, with sweeping lines and bold shapes suggesting speed, agility and athletic poise.

In order to create a clean, streamlined cabin, the SP:01’s centre console features a prominent 8.4-inch touchscreen tablet, which replaces all analogue dials and switches on the fascia. Detroit Electric’s SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) application utilises an open-source Android operating system, which provides access to a wide range of functions, including music player, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), satellite navigation and vehicle systems status, such as battery charge, V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) and other vehicle telemetry. 

Via mobile connectivity, SAMI can also be used to make mobile telephone calls, stream data and access the internet, while providing remote access to a range of vehicle functions, including the control of charging/discharging, climate control, and full vehicle telemetry. The open-source platform will enable Detroit Electric’s customers to access apps developed by third parties via SAMI’s in-car interface, providing numerous opportunities to enhance the user experience.

The SP:01 offers a choice of leather or Alcantara sports seats (black, with body-colour accents), power electric windows, power central locking, ambient cabin lighting, embroidered floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can also choose to personalise their vehicle with seating and interior décor options, including coloured leather seats (red, beige, tan and black) or two-tone leather seats (black with a choice of red, beige, blue, orange or grey), and optional leather trim for door panels, door sills and dashboard.

A selection of bespoke alloy wheels, designed by Detroit Electric’s Head of Design, Jerry Chung and named ‘Anderson Diamond’, ‘Anderson Satin’ and ‘Anderson Gloss’ after the founder of Detroit Electric, William C. Anderson, will be available at launch.

Distributor partnerships

As Detroit Electric builds up to the start of full-scale production, the company recently announced the appointment of Integrated Energy as its official importer and distributor in South Korea. As part of the agreement, the first Detroit Electric showroom in Asia is scheduled to open in Seoul in early 2015. Detroit Electric and Integrated Energy will further extend their cooperation to develop V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) technology by establishing a pilot programme in Jeju Island, South Korea, with a fleet of vehicles supplied by Detroit Electric.

“This is a strategic step in the development of Detroit Electric business in the global market and we are delighted to partner with Integrated Energy to deliver our high performance vehicle and services to Korean customers,” commented Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric. “With the vision beyond the EV business, the joint V2X pilot project in Jeju Island with Integrated Energy will certainly be a showcase of our innovative technology and sustainable business model.”

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

Detroit Electric showcases final design for all new pure electric sports car.

The final exterior design of Detroit Electric’s all-new, pure electric two-seater sports car, the SP:01, is revealed today as the company gears up for production.

The lightweight, limited-edition SP:01 will be the world’s fastest production electric sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America, starting in 2015. Revealed as a prototype at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, the design of SP:01 has been subtly updated to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance, ahead of the start of production at a new facility in the UK later this year.

The most striking element of the design is the bold new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window. The exterior design has been optimised using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to provide enhanced airflow and reduce turbulence, for maximum performance and stability.

A large sculptural rear wing and an under-body diffuser have been incorporated to reduce lift and improve downforce at higher speeds. The changes to the production vehicle’s aerodynamics are intended to deliver improved on-the-limit road-holding and ensure rewarding and accessible dynamics.

A host of aesthetic and functional enhancements to the exterior design accompany the aerodynamic enhancements. For example, the front air intake and outlet ducts on the bonnet have been reshaped to optimise airflow to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.

The vehicle’s innovative battery packs have been clad in a protective composite casing which forms an integral part of the vehicle’s structure. This improves the SP:01’s torsional rigidity and provides an extremely robust barrier to protect the batteries from punctures in the event of an accident.

Jerry Chung, Head of Design at Detroit Electric, said: “The final design of SP:01 incorporates signature Detroit Electric design DNA, carried over from the prototype model we revealed last year. Coupled with many motorsport visual cues, the new fastback design, bold face and sharp contours evoke the company’s vision of pure electric performance.”

The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it  will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment. Its high-power electric motor will propel the car to an impressive 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance. 

Detroit Electric: Pure Electric Performance

• Detroit Electric announces refreshed corporate identity, including modernised  company logo and new brand colours
• Energetic re-brand represents evolution of original Detroit Electric logo and branding
• Teaser video released hinting at forthcoming SP:01 EV sports car and supports ‘Pure Electric Performance’ brand positioning
• New-look website set to launch by end of this month

As the preparations for the introduction of its SP:01 electric sports car gather momentum, global EV manufacturer Detroit Electric has revealed a bold new brand identity and provided a hint of the final exterior design of the company’s new vehicle.

Supporting the launch of its new brand identity, which includes a recharged corporate logo and colour palette, Detroit Electric has also released an innovative ‘teaser’ brand film and is finalising a new-look website that will support the introduction of the new corporate identity. The re-brand is the latest initiative in the company’s marketing strategy as Detroit Electric gears up for the start of sales of the SP:01, and follows the announcement of successful prototype testing in June this year.

The company’s logo has been modernised to reflect Detroit Electric’s pioneering and energetic values. A sympathetic restoration of the original round Detroit Electric badge, the new logo has been carefully evolved to reflect the brand’s new colours of blue and white, while maintaining the art deco character and integrity of the original styling. The new logo will be displayed as a badge on the company’s pure electric vehicles, as well as on future products, and for corporate communications applications.

The introduction of the new blue and white colour palette represents the company’s pure electric positioning. Blue represents energy and modernity, and is reminiscent of lightning storms where ionised oxygen produces an electric blue effect, while white provides purity, simplicity and a bold contrast to the blue.

Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric, said: “This new creative direction reflects Detroit Electric’s passion to deliver premium, design-driven products. We are proud to identify with the original Detroit Electric company’s history and look forward to enhancing the core values of this historic brand through innovation, pioneering spirit and performance. The new corporate identity has modernised the brand’s image to ensure it is fit for today’s rapidly evolving market, while preserving some of the magic and heritage of the original Detroit Electric brand.”

To support the new corporate identity, Detroit Electric has launched an innovative brand video that teases the look of the Detroit Electric SP:01 sports car. The film takes its inspiration from the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Performance’ and depicts the creation of the SP:01 out of electricity, starting with a spark to signify the renaissance of Detroit Electric, which grows into a storm of electrical energy that takes the exterior shape of the company’s first production car.

Detroit Electric will also launch a new-look website towards the end of this month which will fully reflect the company’s new corporate identity. The website will feature updated information about Detroit Electric’s forthcoming SP:01.

Detroit Electric to showcase new Lotus, oops I mean SP:01 with UK production facilities (Hethel anyone ?)

• Limited-edition SP:01 two-seat, 100% electric sports car to be launched in Europe and Asia in fourth quarter this year and soon followed by the US introduction.
• New sports car showcases class-leading electric vehicle powertrain technologies
• Family of high-performance EVs to follow from Detroit Electric brand
• Production to commence at new facility in heartland of UK’s high tech auto industry
• New EMEA headquarters in Houten, Netherlands

Detroit Electric, one of the most prolific manufacturers of electric cars in the early 20^thCentury, is back with an all-new, pure electric sportscar, a new production facility and a highly-experienced new team that will develop a range of high-performance pure EVs.

The brand’s first product, the lightweight, limited-edition SP:01 sportscar, will be the world’s fastest production electric vehicle when it goes on sale in European and Asian markets later this year and soon followed by the US introduction.

Detroit Electric has secured additional investment following an initial reveal of the SP:01 in the first quarter of last year. The car has since undergone extensive further development, heralding significant changes to enhance its aerodynamic performance and improve interior comfort and quality. The EV is currently undergoing engineering sign-off tests, and the final styling of the car will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The SP:01 will set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment. Its high-power electric motor will propel the car to an impressive 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

All the cars will be manufactured in a new, dedicated Detroit Electric production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, which will progressively increase staff levels to 80 by the end of the first quarter of 2015.

Detroit Electric has also invested in a new EMEA headquarters, located in Houten, Netherlands, where the company has already recruited a new team to manage the brand’s Sales and Marketing activities including vehicle sales, customer service and marketing.

The company has its global headquarters on the 18^th floor of the iconic Fisher Building, located in downtown Detroit, USA. This facility will be the company’s financial headquarters and will be the centre for overseeing sales activities in North and South America, and eventually assuming responsibility for developing, engineering and ultimately assembling new Detroit Electric models.

Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric, said: “We’re truly delighted that we’re just weeks away from bringing to fruition our plans to introduce Detroit Electric’s first pure electric sports car. With a new production facility in the UK, a magnificent EMEA headquarters in The Netherlands and plans to engineer and assemble vehicles in the USA, the world will soon be able to experience the pure electric performance of our range of exciting and innovative Detroit Electric vehicles.

“While Detroit was our preferred initial assembly location, the regulatory process for the production and sale of the SP:01 in the US has taken longer then expected,” he added. “That means the assembly operations have to be located in Europe to allow us to bring the vehicle to market globally in line with our timing plans. We’re growing our team at the company’s headquarters in Detroit and we are committed to bringing investment and jobs to the Detroit economic area in the very near future.”

The SP:01 will spearhead a diverse family of all-electric production cars, including an electric 2+2 supercar and a sedan model that will be engineered, developed and assembled at  a planned facility in Michigan.

“We are custodians of an iconic electric vehicle brand, and we intend to honour and carry forward its proud heritage of creating cutting-edge, innovative transport technologies,” Lam continued. “We will come to the market with a range of exciting vehicles that will deliver thrilling pure electric performance with zero emissions. Our production base and new regional and global headquarters will give us the international reach we need to fast-track our growth. We have a fantastic, growing team of people, as well as the resources and expertise necessary to succeed in a competitive market.”

Early in the last century, Detroit Electric led the fledgling electric car market. By 1912, there were numerous American electric vehicle makers, with Detroit Electric both the market leader and the most prolific, going on to make around 13,000 cars – an electric vehicle production world record for the twentieth century. Notable customers included Thomas Edison, Mamie Eisenhower, John D. Rockerfeller Jr. and Clara Ford, the wife of Henry Ford.

The brand was revived in 2008 by Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

To safeguard its sustainable growth, Detroit Electric employs an ‘asset light’business model, similar to brands such as Apple and Nike, focusing investment on R&D and marketing. Lam, brings to Detroit Electric various operational disciplines from his time heading up technology and innovation-driven businesses in Asia, including Apple and Sun Microsystems.