Generally speaking, electric versions of cars are more expensive. In some case (*ahem*, Smart) they’re almost laughably expensive. This little Karabag Fiat 500E, however, is not. Despite being built by an outside company that doesn’t have access to Fiat/Chrysler’s multi-billion dollar R&D departments with limited automotive experience, Karabag‘s little electric Fiat is actually cheaper than “the real thing”. It’s also different from the Fiat version in another way: it’s profitable. That’s right. By combining the electric drive components that German forklift maker Linde Materials Handling employs to move about its precision workhorses, Karabag has developed a 65 mph EV that is able to deliver 100 km (62 miles) of range from its 11-kWh lithium-polymer batteries AND deliver positive revenue to Karabag, all for just under 300 Euro ($450) per month. Gotta love that. Source: Gas2.0
Monday, May 7, 2012
Forklift Motor + Fiat 500 = Economical Fun
Generally speaking, electric versions of cars are more expensive. In some case (*ahem*, Smart) they’re almost laughably expensive. This little Karabag Fiat 500E, however, is not. Despite being built by an outside company that doesn’t have access to Fiat/Chrysler’s multi-billion dollar R&D departments with limited automotive experience, Karabag‘s little electric Fiat is actually cheaper than “the real thing”. It’s also different from the Fiat version in another way: it’s profitable. That’s right. By combining the electric drive components that German forklift maker Linde Materials Handling employs to move about its precision workhorses, Karabag has developed a 65 mph EV that is able to deliver 100 km (62 miles) of range from its 11-kWh lithium-polymer batteries AND deliver positive revenue to Karabag, all for just under 300 Euro ($450) per month. Gotta love that. Source: Gas2.0
