Eli Electric Vehicles has just launched its new ZERO microcar in the United States, starting at only $11,900.
Eli opens US order books for the ZERO Electric Microcar
Eli officially opened the $11,900 Zero electric microcar’s order books in the US market for only a $200 refundable deposit.
The US- and China-based electric automaker plans to kick off the Eli Zero’s customer deliveries as early as the third quarter of the year.
Notably, the Eli Zero electric microcar is a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), legally limiting its driving speed to a maximum of 35 mph. However, its 25 mph speed limiter further restricts owners from accelerating their travel time.
Nonetheless, the company designed the new model to be street-legal at the federal level by limiting its top speed to 25 mph (40 km/h).
“Our goal is to transform urban trips, empowering riders to reconnect with their communities through compact and agile EVs that allow for a better utilization of urban space, reduced congestion, ease of parking and ultimately an improved quality of life in cities. Introducing the Eli ZERO to the US market, we’re not only riding the wave of an emerging mobility revolution, but also redefining personal vehicles in an innovative way that benefits both traffic and the environment.”
Eli Electic Vehicle Founder and CEO Marcus Li
Design Features
Eli’s Zero electric microcar looks more like a golf cart than a full-fledged passenger car. It has a funky design, an enclosed cabin, and standard dual-beam LED headlights. In addition, it sports the following standard exterior features:
- 165/65 R13 Tires
- Power-Adjustable Side-View Mirrors
- Tiltable Sunroof
- Heat-Protecting Windshield Glass
- Off-Vehicle Light-Up
- Electrically Powered Doors
- RKE Keyless Entry and Start
- Pastel Colors (Paper White, Pebble Gray, Baby Blue)
Inside, the Eli Zero also offers remarkable features, including the following:
- Vegan Leather Steering Wheel
- Digital Driver Display
- A heat AC
- A cool AC (optional for the base variant, standard on the Plus)
- Power steering
- A rear-view camera
- An optional head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
- Windshield Defrosting
- USB Charging Ports
- Cup and Magazine Holders
- 12V Power Socket
- Reading and LED Courtesy Lights
Impressively, the Eli ZERO also comes with a wide range of standard safety features:
- 4 Hydraulic Electric-Powered-Assisted Disc Brakes
- MacPherson Front Struts with Anti-Roll Bar
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
- Safety Belts and Seatbelt Reminder
- Rear-View Camera and Radar Parking Sensors
- Tow Button
- Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS)
- Emergency Alerts
However, the Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are optional safety features for the base variant but standard to the Plus.
Technical Specifications
Presented below are the key specifications of the Eli ZERO electric microcar:
| Vehicle Performance | Eli Zero |
| Top Speed | 25mph (45km/h) |
| Min Turning Radius | 11.8ft (3.6 m) |
| Drive | Rear Wheel Drive – Rear Engine |
| Max Gradeability | 30% |
| Ground Clearance | ≥5.31 in (≥135 mm) |
| Driving Mode | Eco/Sport Dual Driving Mode |
| Regenerative Braking | Available |
| Power System | Eli Zero |
| Batteries | 8 or 12 kWh LFP |
| Max Range | 60 or 90 miles* |
| Charging Time(at 220-240V) | ~2-4h |
| Battery Thermal System | Available |
| Advanced Battery Management System | Available |
| Rated Power | 6 kW |
| Service Battery | 12V |
| Home Charger (included) | Available |
Source: Eli Electric Vehicle
Eli confired plans to officially launch the ZERO microcar later this year and sell it through a dealer network. The company apparently has an annual production capacity of 4,000 units. Interested customers can reserve the Eli Zero for only $200 here.
