Detroit Electric delays SP:01 EV

Detroit Electric will delay the SP:01 EV roadster for at least a month, according to a company executive who talked to the Detroit News. The company still hasn’t finalized a manufacturing location in Wayne County. Production was scheduled to start in August, now it’s slated for September.

CEO Don Graunstadt told the News that the delay will also push back hiring for the plant, which is expected to need more than 100 workers and have a capacity of 2,500 cars per year.

In April, Detroit Electric unveiled the SP:01, which is based on the Lotus small-car platform. Much of the company brass came over from the British brand.

The SP:01 is scheduled to deliver 201 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque from its mid-mounted electric motor, featuring 180 miles of range from its battery pack. The body is made of carbon fiber, leading to a curb weight of just 2,403 pounds, including electronics.

Detroit Electric touted its 360 Powerback technology in April. It charges the car’s battery at 240 volts, and it can send power back to the home if residential power goes out.

The plan is to build 999 copies of the roadster at $135,000. After, it will work with partner Geely on a midsize sedan for the mass market.

Check out more on the SP:01 here.

By Jake Lingeman