Roewe's Electric Metro concept

20th April 2010

Meet the Metro of the future! This striking-looking concept previews a small electric car that will be built by China’s SAIC and badged as a Roewe. Called the E1, the car weighs in at 1,040kg and is powered by lithium ion batteries. The cells give the E1 a range of 84 miles, and drivers will be able to charge 80 per cent of its batteries within 30 minutes.

Performance isn’t brisk, but is more than adequate for urban commuting – 0-31mph takes 5.5 seconds, while 0-62mph takes 16 seconds. Top speed is 75mph, while SAIC has stated that despite its small size, the car will be capable of scoring four out of five stars in China’s equivalent of the Euro NCAP crash tests.

What is significant about the concept is that SAIC developed and built all of the car’s electric systems in house – meaning that the battery, motor, and auxiliary electronics could be readied to power production cars like the Roewe 250, which replaces the legendary Metro.

The car will be officially unveiled on Friday, when we hope to bring you better quality pictures.

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