Angry SAM electric locusts set to swarm out of factory
If you would like your electric car to have a look reminiscent of a large angry locust, live in Europe and don't have a need to exceed 90 Km/h (55 mph), you're in luck! Though a year later than had been originally projected, copies of the re-engineered SAM should begin rolling out of a Polish factory sometime later this month. The delay may have been a blessing in disguise since, not only are the economies of the world starting to show improvement, but the extra time has allowed for a longer testing period that worked out a few bugs. We expect buyers will grateful, for example, that the recycled plastic body will be watertight.
In their latest missive to the SAM faithful, the company informs that when the vehicle is officially launched it should have a price tag of only CHF 15,500 ($14,490 U.S.). Unfortunately, like so many of the toys we used to find under the Christmas tree, the batteries aren't included in this price. Energy storage capable of carrying you for 60 miles will cost consumers an additional 250 Swiss Francs ($233) a month for 3 years including warranty. Sales will be conducted from their website as well as through retail locations set up in Switzerland, Germany, and if Google translate isn't lying to us, Poland. Will it ever make it to America? It's not beyond the realm of possibility since the engineering company behind the drivetrain has said it wants to begin some sort of electric vehicle project here. We'll keep an ear out for a strange buzzing sound.
[Source: S.A.M. Group AG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike!!ekiM 8:51PM (8/13/2009)
These look like fun.
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gulags 6:35PM (8/13/2009)
This makes me happy. I loved the design of the SAM, even if the derogatory comments about its appearance are completely accurate.
Why can't someone make something similar (or, heck, use the same bodies) with full-size motorcycle wheels and a decent, efficient ICE, for a highway-speed vehicle? I probably wouldn't take it up the Grapevine, but it'd be great to cruise along the PCH with.
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alexacoon 7:45PM (8/13/2009)
Finally someone with the right idea :) Though by looking at it the front wheels of these vehicles don't lean so motorcycle wheels, or at least the rounded tires wouldn't work. I'm thinking some nice aluminum rims the same size would be fine and the Vtwin off my SV650 (79hp) would be more than enough and likely provide well over 50mpg. Sure 50MPG isn't that great but this would be more of a fun vehicle that happens to do well.
I'm also hoping the roof comes off as well as the doors?
Byron Thomas 7:50PM (8/13/2009)
I'd love to love this baby! But, nothing is going to catch on until it is inline with comparable products. $14999 without a battery for a made in poland 3 wheel scooter?
I can buy a Ford Focus S with 4 seats 140hp, 35 mpg, etc...for $9999 or less. Come one, would the folks building cheap plastic golf carts get them down to the price of say a
$1299 Quad, but with a aerodynamic body? Why is that so hard?
$15000? it should cost $1500 Can you say Tato Nano?
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CH 2:47AM (8/14/2009)
It's not possible to directly compare prices in US of A and European countries, specially in Switzerland. If you talk about a Ford Focus S you talking about at least 30'000 CHF (roughly USD 28'000). Heck even the base model Focus with a 1.6 100PS engine and no options (not even AC or electrical windows in the back) will cost you CHF 24'000 (USD 22'500).
john 12:18AM (8/14/2009)
Looks like something inspired by the Myers NMG or its predecessor.
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Steve 11:45AM (8/14/2009)
Why is it that stuff like this never makes it over to the States??
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recodog 12:13PM (8/14/2009)
Why does it have to be electric? Why not the same vehicle but with a 500cc gas or even better the 422cc diesel the Piaggio Ape uses. Both options would get great mpg/kpg and be a lot cheaper to sell.
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