Detroit Electric SP:01 Sports Car Rolls off the Assembly Line

Despite many doubts and obstacles along the way, electric sports car company Detroit Electric announced the first SP:01 sports car has left the assembly line.

The last we heard from the start-up company was back in January, when the company revealed the finalized designs for the SP:01 as the sports car began final testing before production. Despite the name, production of the SP:01 is based in the U.K., and is not actually offered on our shores. Detroit Electric has set up sales outlets in Europe and Asia for the SP:01.

Much like the bygone Tesla Roadster, the Detroit Electric SP:01 is based on the Lotus Elise. A 285 hp electric motor powers the rear wheels in lieu of the Lotus’ Toyota powertrain. Due to the car’s low weight and the torquey motor, the SP:01 is claimed to reach 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.

Power is sent to the wheels through a choice of three different transmissions. The car comes standard with a one-speed automatic, but Detroit Electric also says that the SP:01 can be fitted with either a twin-speed auto or even a six-speed manual transmission, a first for an all-electric sports car.

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