Currently reading: British micro EV maker launches compact two-seater for London
Electric vehicle start-up Siticars' new Me is an ultralight mobility solution for urban drivers

London-based EV start-up Siticars has unveiled a two-seater microcar aimed at drivers living in the new Ultra Low Emission Zone.

The Me, available in pick up, box van and passenger car forms, boasts a top speed of 48.5mph and claimed range of 93 miles from its 10bhp 72V electric motor. 

It is not dissimilar to the Reva G-Wiz, an electric vehicle on sale during the noughties, which was widely criticised for poor safety. This is, in part, to the fact that quadricycles - of which both the G-Wiz and Me are defined - are not liable to the same stringent EuroNCAP tests as heavier, more powerful cars.

Siticars says that, although the Me is “fully approved for use on UK roads by DVLA and has full EU certificates of compliance”, it is ineligible to be driven on motorways due to its top speed.

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While the G-Wiz was on sale during the early days of electric vehicles, there are now a plethora of zero-emission cars on sale, all of which are exempt from new charges favouring low-emission vehicles, such as London’s Congestion Charge and the recently introduced Ultra Low Emissions Zone.

Siticars said the benefit of the 518kg Me over such cars includes its ability to park “in less than half of the space required for traditional cars”. A company spokesperson said that parking 90 degrees to the kerb would allow up to three to park in one space. 

The similarly sized Renault Twizy is cheaper, starting at £6,690, but features a tandem-style two-seat layout, as opposed to the Me’s side-by-side format, and does not include batteries, which have to be leased from the company. The Me can be ordered online from May for between £7999 and £12,000 according to specified battery choice and bodystyle.

The Me, measuring just 2245mm x 1290mmm, can be equipped with 10kWh lithium batteries that can be charged from a domestic 13amp 3-pin wall socket in 4-6 hours. 

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A less expensive lead acid battery option yields a charging time of between 6-8 hours. An optional portable charger is available with the Me, enabling overnight charging for users with no off-street parking. 

The company says it is currently shipping 50 units per month, but is capable of producing 20 times that number. 

The Me is available only in the UK, with air conditioning, LED running lights, a rear parking camera, electrically assisted rear door, Bluetooth and panoramic roof fitted at standard.

Read more

James Ruppert: the best ULEZ-beaters for urban families

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone: what you need to know​

James Ruppert: second-hand cars that get you into the ULEZ zone​

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: News and features editor

Felix is Autocar's news editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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Deputy 24 April 2019

Pointless until they change parking fees

This car still gets charged the same to park as 7 seater SUV when parking roadside in London. I used to have a Smart FourTwo. I would have to pay the same as the Range Rover in the bay(s) next to me. So it may take a third of the space but gets 100% of parking charge!
Thekrankis 24 April 2019

Public Transport is NOT environmentally friendly.

It may be more efficient and less damaging but friendly?

No.

Dust, noise, pollution, weight, infrastructure all damage the environment.

Cycling and walking can he considered friendly maybe..

Mikey C 24 April 2019

The van version might make

The van version might make more sense for light deliveries in city centres.

Otherwise, if you want to be environmentally friendly in city centres...use public transport