Prodrive and CCC to Build Commuter Vehicles

Advanced Battery Technology, Mar 2005

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Prodrive of the U.K. and Commuter Cars Corp. of Spokane, Washington, have agreed for Prodrive to manage the construction of up to 100 electric commuter vehicles a year. Prodrive has worked with CCC to take its Tango vehicle design from the prototype form and engineer it for low-volume production. It will manage the production of the Tango from its site in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

At 39 inches wide and 102 inches long, the Tango is as tall as a conventional car, but takes up only half the road width. The 1,100 pound battery pack in the vehicle's floor keeps its center of gravity low, allowing the Tango to achieve sports car levels of stability despite its narrow track. Two electric motors driving the rear wheels can produce a combined torque level of over 1,000 foot-pounds to deliver levels of acceleration more commonly associated with supercars than eco-friendly transport.

Several customers have already placed $10,000 deposits on the initial Tango 600s, the first of which was delivered before Christmas 2004. The vehicles built by Prodrive will cost $85,000, although the target price for a mass-produced version is set at less than $20,000.

Visit www.prodrive.com or www.commutercars.com.