Italian EV will be distributed by the same company as the G-Wiz
By John Silcox on June 25, 2012 1:07 PM
Italian car manufacturer Tazzari has launched a new electric vehicle that will be distributed by GoinGreen, the company responsible for selling the G-Wiz in the UK.
As the name suggests, the EM1 is a fully-fledged M1 classified passenger vehicle, meaning it complies with much more vigorous safety standards than the G-Wiz, which is classed as a quadricycle.
The two seat runabout is built by Tazzari in Imola, home to the San Marino Grand Prix and luxury supercar maker Ferrari. Its distinctive boxy design gives it the look of a shrunken sporty crossover, while its “ultra-light” aluminium frame and is mounted on relatively large 15’ wheels.
Powered by a three-phase electric motor situated under the bonnet, the EM1 delivers usable performance figures: with all its torque available from standstill, the little Italian can sprint from 0-31 in under five seconds; top speed is a claimed 62mph.
Four driving modes are available via the touch-screen dashboard interface: RACE apparently brings out the “sporty soul” of the car; ECONOMY optimises the range of the vehicle, with a claimed 87 miles achievable; STANDARD is a balanced everyday setting; the RAIN setting improves handling on wet roads.
The motor is fuelled by a lithium-ion battery located under the floor of the car, which can be re-charged in three different ways. Using the standard on-board charger, it takes eight hours to reach capacity when plugged-into a 220v 1.8kW supply. Using an optional ‘Multifast’ charger it takes five hours. With a 380v ‘Superfast’ charger and a three-phase power supply it can be charged up to 80 per cent in an hour.
It is available now via the GoinGreen website but at a hefty £24,950, even with the cost saving associated with running electric cars, is there really a market for it? “The Tazzari EM1 is not a mass market vehicle but is positioned as a lifestyle product; a fun, city run-around for affluent ‘greens’,” a spokesperson told us. “The Tazzari will be a second or third car for many of the purchasers, who will have premium marques in their garage already. Therefore we expect sales numbers over time to reach a respectable level for London, plus of course a roll out into other cities as they too adopt greener policies.”
Included in the high sticker price is a five year warranty on the battery and drivetrain, as well as a two year warranty on the car. It also offers a decent amount of kit compared to the G-Wiz; standard features include eco-leather seats and steering wheel, two luggage compartments, MP3 and smartphone docks, remote controlled central locking, electric wing mirrors and immobiliser.