Not all future electric vehicles will look like traditional cars

January 12, 2016 0 By Angie Bergenson

EV manufacturer shows off its generation 8 Arcimoto SRK at CES 2016.

Aside from Faraday Future’s FF Zero 1 concept cart and Chevrolet’s Bolt EV, the Arcimoto SRK was one of the electric vehicles (EVs) that could be found at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), this year. However, unlike other EVs that look like traditional cars, the SRK is a two-seater electric trike that is not only innovative in its design, but also carries a much cheaper price tag compared to other EVs, reported ARSTechnica.

The SRK looks like a cross between a car and a motorbike.

Designed by Arcimoto as a trike, with two wheels in the front and one in the back, the Arcimoto SRK is equipped with two seats, with the passenger seat positioned directly behind the driver’s. Instead of a steering wheel, which was used in the earlier prototypes of the vehicle, the driver uses handlebars to steer the SRK, which the company now classifies as a motorbike.

However, the SRK is equipped with features that a motorbike does not have. For starters, aside from there being no danger of tipping over the trike, the vehicle has a roof, a windshield, an optional side panel, seat belts and even a bit of storage space at the back. There is no need to wear a helmet when riding this bike, although depending on the U.S. state in which a driver lives, he or she may require a motorcycle license to drive it.

Although not as powerful or fast as other electric vehicles, the SRK is ideal for city driving.

Two electric motors power the front wheels, while a 12 kWh (kilowatt hour) lithium ion battery pack runs along the length of the bike. The SRK has a range of 70 miles (112 kilometers) and can go from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. Its top speed is 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour), which is perfectly adequate for city driving.

In addition, the vehicle will also be available in a 20 kWh option, which will boost the range up to 130 miles (209 kilometers).

Arcimoto means “Future I Drive,” and the company seeks to create new technologies and sustainable transportation systems that are greener for the environment and affordable.

Although not yet in production, According to Arcimoto, the Arcimoto SRK should cost $11,900 before any rebates or tax credits are applied, which would make it one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. Currently, the company is accepting refundable $100 deposits from consumers interested in becoming future SRK drivers.

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