Elettrica

This month sees the exciting launch of the Elettrica, the first production electric car in the UK with the option of a lithium power supply. Providing almost twice the range of other small electric cars, the Elettrica looks set to play a leading role in guilt free city driving. When I was first asked to give this vehicle a test drive, I was initially cautious after driving a small van on an off road course that would not have been able to compete with a milk float, but I was willing to give electricity one more try.

I was met at a point of my choosing - just outside the British Museum and although I didn't know what to look for I soon spotted my next ride. The Elettrica is not only smaller than any other vehicle you are likely to see, but it is also very distinctive looking.

The car combines Italian styling and design, Japanese engineering and British electronics. Available in lead-battery and lithium-battery versions, the cars offer an elegant ergonomically-designed interior and a striking 'double-bow' exterior design in red, white, yellow, black and silver.

We parked in a metered parking bay - for free despite the time of day, as it has a distinctive designation on the tax disc that wardens (should be) trained to steer clear of. Actually you could get two of these in the bay, one behind the other.

The car is available from Future Vehicles (www.futurevehicles.co.uk), the exclusive distributor for customers based in London and within the M25. The Elettrica scores top marks economically with a staggering 70 miles driving for just 50p of electricity. At around 15 - 20 times cheaper than petrol, and at a price totally unheard of until now, the car is unrivalled by any other vehicle. How do you charge it? Well you just lift a flap at the base of the windscreen and pull out the electric lead with a standard three pin plug on it. All you need is a suitable household plug socket around!

Drivers will also be exempt from the congestion charge and enjoy free parking in Westminster, the City and many other parts of London. The Elettrica is also exempt from road tax.

Lithium batteries have a much longer life than lead batteries, are lighter, and do not represent an environmental hazard on disposal. The car has no emissions whatsoever, and if charged with renewable energy, neither has the power supply. The lithium battery version offers an impressive 70 mile range and a top speed of 45 miles per hour. There is also lead battery version offering a 40 mile range and a top speed of 40mph - both perfect for town driving and commuting.

Inside there are just two pedals, with no clutch and apart from that it is simplicity itself. The model I drove was left hand drive, and also had rudimentary indicator controls, but I was assured that all new models will be right hand drive and have the familiar indicator stalk. The seats will also be adjustable. On the storage front there is a small holder under the seat front which took a laptop sized bag that I was carrying and there is the boot which will hold more that it first suggests, though obviously you wouldn't do a major supermarket run or try and get the base of a baby buggy in! Nonetheless I understand that a doctor who regulalry ferries his daughter to cello lessons has found that he can get his passenger and her musical instrument inside! The lights will also be different on new models.

Although compact, the Elettrica is exceptionally safe. Its aluminium safety cage is light and strong. It has disc brakes, front and rear impact bars and has undergone front and side crash-testing - well beyond the EU requirements for this type of vehicle.

I took the Elettrica for a spin through the evening rush hour traffic in the West End, possibly one of the sternest tests for a car designed for urban living - it would hardly be fair pushing it over my favourite proving ground (the high moors on the A66), and after an intial moment of uncertainty when first pulling away I soon got the feel for its acceleration, and I am pleased to report that the aforementioned Milk Float effect was not in existence. Yes it is slightly slower than other cars when pulling away from lights, but not significantly so, and I was able to fly around the dreaded Hyde Park Corner with ease. It was also stable when encountering cross winds as we passed over Waterloo Bridge. Obviously it is light on the steering and if I were more accomplished you could imagine yourself attempting to slalom through traffic like cyclists do. Talking of cyclists there was an appreciative comment from one as we waited at lights (and surprisingly the cyclist also stopped - possibly a first for London!). Otherwise the blase approach from Londoners who have 'seen everything' was evident, though some Japanese tourists were clicking away whilst we were parked!

The Elettrica is priced at just £9,950 inc VAT for the lead-battery powered version and £12,750 inc VAT for the lithium powered version. Prices also include registration and delivery to any London address.

Interested in a test drive? Then contact the sales team by emailing your name, postcode and phone number to elettrica@futurevehicles.co.uk

Facts at a Glance
Model: Elettrica
Price: £12,750
Engine: Lithium battery
Performance: Top speed 45mph
Range: 70 miles