Electric Isetta microcars currently in the works
Recently, it was revealed that BMW might soon enter the microcar market with a new/old brand, Isetta. No mention has been made of what might power one of these retro micro-machines, but we'd of course hope for at least a hybrid option if not a complete electric. If your tastes lean more towards the older models, perhaps you'd be more interested in a Harrington BB, which is a replica of the old Isetta minus the engine. Hub motors in each wheel allow for four-wheel-drive, while lead acid batteries currently hold the charge. Unfortunately, these lead acid batteries are most likely holding down the performance potential of the vehicle. As it is currently configured, the BB can only reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour. An eight hour charge is required to allow for a maximum range of 60 miles.
According to the official website, though, the Harrington BB is still in its infancy, and there are plans to upgrade both the batteries and in-wheel motors, which should help out on the speed and range issues. Once they get all of the details worked out, they plan to offer both complete vehicles and kits of the electric microcar. With operations based in Saigan, Vietnam, we are not sure whether Harrington plans on selling cars or kits in the U.S., but we've sent off a request for more information as it becomes available. Thanks for the tip, James!
[Source: Group Harrington via Retro Thing]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 5:56AM (3/09/2008)
I'm not sure you'd want to go any faster than 30mph in an Isetta. While a heavy battery bank will no doubt lower the center of gravity sufficiently to permit high-speed cornering, the design offers virtually no crash safety at all. You might as well be riding a motorcycle.
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jimmy_ngai 3:12PM (5/09/2009)
this is awesome, if only they had better battery...
it's as safe as a motorcycle, but it's better than riding in the rain~
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