A $11,990 EV microcar is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this year and it just might make sense.
Eli Electric Vehicles has announced it is now taking orders in the U.S. for its electric microcar, which is basically the fanciest golfcart you’ve ever laid eyes on.
Called the Zero, like golfcarts, it’s speed-limited to 25 mph due to U.S. regulations. But unlike golf carts, the Eli Zero is designed like a real car complete with an available sunroof, air conditioning, heating, power steering and ABS brakes. It even has available Android Auto and Apple Car play.
While a car that makes a Mini Cooper look big might sound silly, there’s actually a pretty good use case for it here in Florida and a number of other states in the U.S.
Florida is filled with master planned communities with roadways designed specifically for low-speed vehicles. The idea is things like the Eli, golf carts and e-bikes can be good secondary transportation vehicles to run around town to the grocery store or dinner.
For example, in the suburban Jacksonville, FL master-planned community of Nocatee, the streets are filled with golf carts thanks to special lanes for micro-vehicles, allowing residents to use them for everything from shopping and dining to recreation and other amenities located within the community.
Nocatee is also becoming a work hub, meaning for some, Eli’s microcar would make a great commuter vehicle.
The same holds true at many of Florida’s beach towns, where it’s common to see golf carts running around New Smyrna Beach’s mainland and barrier island, to cite just one more example.
But unlike those golf carts, Zero drivers won’t be sweating in the summer thanks to its air conditioning.
The Zero can either be plugged in at home or be charged at Level 2 stations. It’s got a rated range of 90 miles per charge.
In the U.S. roughly 75% of journeys are under 10 miles, according to Micromobility Industries.
“The U.S. is the largest micro-EV market, with an addressable market of over $120 billion, representing a significant opportunity for Eli to lead in this segment,” said Marcus Li, CEO and founder of Eli Electric Vehicles in a news release. “Our goal is to transform urban trips, empowering riders to reconnect with their communities through compact and agile EVs that allow for a better utilization of urban space.”
With a $200 fully refundable deposit, U.S. customers can reserve the Eli Zero with expected sales to begin in the third quarter of 2024 and deliveries to follow. Eli plans to sell through local distributors and dealer partners across the country, with a production capacity of over 4,000 vehicles per year.
Given new golf carts can easily top $14,000, the Eli Zero microcar certainly looks competitive. The Eli Zero has a starting price of $11,990. Eli Electric Vehicles is headquartered in California while the microcars are made in China.
Whether that pricing will hold is questionable. Just as this story was about to be published the Biden Adminstration announced a new 100% tariff on electric vehicles exported to the U.S. from China.
At the time of the story’s posting, Eli’s website was still advertising a starting price of $11,990 but based on the White House news release it seems likely Eli’s pricing model will be signficantly impacted, although specific details regarding any possible exceptions weren’t in the news release.
Eli says so far hundreds of its EVs have been sold in Europe and French Polynesia where the EV microcars are being used for personal transportation, eco-tourism and government fleets.
Specifications
Eli-ZERO | Eli-ZERO PLUS
| Safety | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hydraulic Electric-Powered-Assisted Disc Brakes | ||
| MacPherson Front Struts with Anti-Roll Bar | ||
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | ||
| 165/65 R13 Tires | ||
| Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) | × | |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | × | |
| Safety Belts and Seatbelt Reminder | ||
| Rear-View Camera and Radar Parking Sensors | ||
| Tow Button | ||
| Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) | ||
| Emergency Alerts | ||
| Exterior | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual-beam LED Headlights | ||
| LED Full Running Lights | × | |
| Power-Adjustable Side-View Mirrors | ||
| Tiltable Sunroof | ||
| Heat-Protecting Windshield Glass | ||
| Off-Vehicle Light-Up | ||
| Electrically Powered Doors | ||
| RKE Keyless Entry and Start | ||
| Soft Door Close System | × | |
| Premium Wheel Rims | × | |
| Pastel Colors (Paper White, Pebble Gray, Baby Blue) | ||
| Pearl Colors (Pearl White, Arctic Silver, Glacier Blue) | × | |
| Ceramic Coating Paint Protection | ||
| Interior | ||
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Fabric | Vegan Leather |
| Vegan Leather Steering Wheel | ||
| Premium Interiors in Gray Vegan Leather | × | |
| Digital Driver Display | ||
| SONY Infotainment System (10.1” HD Digital Media Receiver. Wireless Smartphone Connection) | × | |
| Bluetooth and Speakers | × | |
| Heat AC | ||
| Cool AC | ||
| Windshield Defrosting | ||
| USB Charging Ports | ||
| Cup and Magazine Holders | ||
| 12V Power Socket | ||
| Reading and LED Courtesy Lights | ||
| General | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 88.6×54.3×64.4in | |
| Tires | 165/65 R13, Alloy Rims | |
| Wheelbase | 63in | |
| Track | 45.67in | |
| Classification | LSV / NEV | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Trunk Capacity | 5.65 ft3 | |
| Vehicle Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 25mph | |
| Min Turning Radius | 11.8ft | |
| Drive | Rear Wheel Drive – Rear Engine | |
| Max Gradeability | 30% | |
| Ground Clearance | ≥5.31in | |
| Driving Mode | Eco/Sport Dual Driving Mode | |
| Regenerative Braking | ||
| Power System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | 8 or 12 kWh LFP | |
| Max Range | 60 or 90 miles* | |
| Charging Time (at 220-240V) | ~2-4h | |
| Battery Thermal System | ||
| Advanced Battery Management System | ||
| Rated Power | 6 kW | |
| Service Battery | 12V | |
| Home Charger (included) | ||
- Included
- Option
- ×Not Available
*The vehicle’s range may be influenced by factors such as vehicle load, air conditioner usage, ambient temperature, terrain slope, driving habits, and more. The product may differ from the images shown on the website due to variations or upgrades. Some displayed features may be included in certain models exclusively, not available on others, or provided as optional on specific models only.