Skip advert
Advertisement
News

AC Ace ready to show EVs can be lightweight at SEMA 2024

The all-electric Ace roadster weighs little more than its petrol-powered counterpart

Britain’s oldest active car maker, AC Cars, has announced its new Ace EV roadster will receive its first public outing at this month’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. 

Part-built in the UK before being completed in the US, the Ace uses an electric powertrain from Tremec called eGT413, which has been used in electric restomods including a Ford Bronco and a Mustang. The electric motor on the rear axle is good for 301bhp and 500Nm of torque, giving a 4.9-second 0-62mph time. 

According to AC, with a 72kWh battery on board, the Ace EV roadster is able to provide more than 200 miles of range, and there’s DC fast-charging capability, too. Weight has been kept to a minimum in the EV, which tips the scales at 1,134kg – only around 36kg more than the combustion-engined alternative. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

That alternative comes with a Ford-derived 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 320bhp and 375Nm of torque – enough for a quicker 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, although the top speed of 130mph remains the same. Both cars come with disc brakes and four-piston calipers. 

AC has made sure the styling of the electric model matches that of the petrol car. The bodywork is made from carbon fibre and is crafted at the firm’s UK facility. The firm has also been careful to retain classic design elements such as the distinctive ‘smiling face’ – made up of the round headlights and grille. The interior features a large wooden wheel and plenty of old-school analogue dials dotted on the dash.  

Pre-tax pricing for the Ace Roadster starts at £146,000 for the petrol model and £213,000 for the EV.

Now read our review of the AC Cobra 378 Superblower...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept is an homage to open-air off-roaders of the past
Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept - front

Toyota Land Cruiser ROX concept is an homage to open-air off-roaders of the past

The Land Cruiser ROX has been created for the SEMA show, but Toyota admits open–top 4x4 could easily make production
News
7 Nov 2024
New Kia EV9 Adventure brings out the rugged side of electric SUV for SEMA 2024
Kia EV9 Adventure - front

New Kia EV9 Adventure brings out the rugged side of electric SUV for SEMA 2024

A similar, go-anywhere version of the Kia PV5 MPV was also revealed at the car tuner show in Las Vegas
News
7 Nov 2024
Will the new Toyota RAV4 go hardcore? RAV-X concept drops hints at SEMA 2024
Toyota RAV-X Concept - front 3/4

Will the new Toyota RAV4 go hardcore? RAV-X concept drops hints at SEMA 2024

This off-road focused RAV-4 is one for the enthusiasts, but points to possible future modifications for the plug-in family car
News
5 Nov 2024
New look for Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept and Ram EV at SEMA show
Dodge Ram and Charger with Viper GTS livery

New look for Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept and Ram EV at SEMA show

Ram 1500 REV Tungsten joins electric Charger concept with classic livery from the Viper GTS at tuner show in Las Vegas
News
5 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025