Pininfarina Bluecar confirmed for sale next year
2008 Pininfarina B0 concept, the basis for the Bluecar - Click above for high-res image gallery
Bolloré has reportedly decided to hurry up and get the Bluecar ready for 2010, which is when France plans to start subventing the purchase of electric vehicles. Speaking at a press conference introducing the car's new battery pack (which is being made at BatScap's factory in Ergué-Gaberic, France), Vincent Bolloré says the first cars are going to be manufactured in March and will be delivered in June.
This is six months later than expected, and it's reportedly a consequence of the global economic crisis. The good news is that the lease plan is still valid – the BlueCar is going to be leased for €330 per month (about $485 USD) with a minimum contract of three months. Current reservations top 6,400 applications, but only 1,000 models are expected to be built next year. As a refresher, the Bluecar / Pininfarina B0 is powered by an electric motor with 68 horsepower (50 kW) and uses a lithium polymer battery pack to provide a range of about 155 miles (250 kilometers).
Gallery: Pininfarina B0
[Source: Le Blog Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pabs333 1:41PM (9/26/2009)
This is GREAT news. I've ordered one (in may) but have not heard anything from Pininfarina. I hope I am one of the first 1000. I'll let you know if I hear from them
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B_E_N 2:24PM (9/26/2009)
Wow ! You ordered one !?
Please keep us posted :)
Fingers crossed . . . . ;)
Ralph 7:26PM (9/26/2009)
Their website specifically states that you can place an order to rent one for 300 Euros. Is this what you have done, or is this outdated website information?
Anyway, this is to date my favorite EV design and it comes with a range that makes it much more acceptable than the competition. I'd like to see this imported (or better yet) made in the USA..
wincros 2:00PM (9/26/2009)
Lovely piece of design.
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Satn 2:47PM (9/26/2009)
my 30mpg (that I actually get) camry costs me about $100 a month with regular driving (no road trips), so electric would be nice.
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Jon 3:11PM (9/26/2009)
Can it travel at highway speeds?
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pabs333 3:20PM (9/26/2009)
Yes Jon, 90 MPH check this.. could do with updating but all the info is there
http://www.bluecar.fr/en/pages-accueil/default.aspx
Mark Kiernan 4:24PM (9/26/2009)
This is really good, beats the Mini E and the car is much more functional.
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Tohe 4:41PM (9/26/2009)
Mitsubishi should license Pininfarina's striking design for the iMiev.
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John Pelletier 10:39PM (9/26/2009)
this is indeed a nice and functional, not too crazy design. good speed and good range! even with cold weather or ac running or every gadget plugged in should still give a nice 100mi range. I am sure the price will be very attractive especially with the french rebates, can I import one :P
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Mark Kiernan 7:04PM (9/26/2009)
I have a question if anyone can answer. How does a lease work, does the leasing company cover the maintenance and insurance costs?
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pabs333 7:44PM (9/26/2009)
So far the only info I have is that the fee covers any breakdown or batt related issues.
I think the idea is that they will lease the first few, get feedback and then begin selling them. I've signed up on the order form to take one if the first test cars on a lease basis. Again, once I hear from them I'll post up any info.
For background I live on a small island called the Isle of Man between England and Ireland. Idea for electric cars.
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andrichrose 3:29AM (9/27/2009)
I have also ordered one , have confirmation of the order and
have been told that the first cars will be awarded on some sort
of lottery basis , but have heard nothing since then .
I did think the project was probably dead , so this is welcome news !
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Satn 4:24AM (9/27/2009)
Who do i have to "enhance interrogate" to get some sub-compact electrics into the US?
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aimless 4:56AM (9/27/2009)
Every elected official, lobbyist and government worker who pushed to water down the 1990 California ZEV program.
bastien 11:33AM (9/27/2009)
That's the way electric cars must look. Sleek, open minded and revolutionary, refined design...
All the things that you'l never see an a GM...
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Chris M 7:05PM (9/27/2009)
Frankly, it's something we don't see from a lot of EV companies. There aren't many who seem capable of making a really nice looking designs, most look rather plain, or worse, both weird and ugly.
On the other hand, we do have this wonderful Pininfarina design, and Tesla, and Fiskar. The Think OX prototype looks much better than their city car, but one wonders if the OX will ever make it to production.
bastien 7:47AM (9/28/2009)
I would also add the WW Up and this one to the list:
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/10/south-african-e/