Swedish Startup Unveils Tiny EV Prototype

Uniti Sweden AB has unveiled the first prototype of an all-electric One city car that the company aims to launch in 2019 with a target price of €14,900 ($17,500).

The car, which is about the size of a Renault Twizy EV, is powered by a 22-kWh battery and two electric motors that produce a combined 40 hp. Uniti claims the car has a 186-mile driving range and can accelerate from zero to 50 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.

Made from carbon fiber and organic composite materials, the one-seat prototype weighs just 450 kg (990 lbs). The company estimates the One will produce 75% less carbon dioxide over its life cycle—from manufacturing to disposal—than a conventional vehicle.

The interior features a full-width head-up display, which the company touts as the largest in the industry, and a large central touchscreen. The steer-by-wire system has joy stick-like controllers that also can function as a conventional steering wheel. Two-, four- and five-seat variants are planned along with range of autonomous driving capabilities.

Uniti is partnering with Siemens and Kuka Robotics on a manufacturing plant in Malmo, Sweden, which the companies say will be the first fully automated “industry 4.0” facility in the world. The plant will have an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles.

More than 1,000 people have put down €150 ($175) deposits for the vehicle, according to Uniti. Initial customers will be part of a beta-testing program to help finalize the car’s development. Uniti plans to sell the vehicles through Europe’s Media Markt consumer electronics stores. Uniti also is partnering with E.ON utility, which will provide consumers with five years of free solar-powered home charging for the vehicles.