The new all-electric sports car, the Detroit Electric SP:01, had its world debut at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. This limited-edition, two-seat high-performance sports vehicle has become the world’s fastest all-electric production sports car and it sets a new benchmark for performance and handling in the electric vehicle segment.

Visitors at this years Shanghai Motor Show have been able to see this vehicle first-hand for the first time and interest in it has been impressive, with 35 orders being placed within an hour of the car going on sale earlier this month.

The new SP:01 returns a top speed of 155 mph and is able to accelerate to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, making it faster than other performance production electric vehicles such as the Tesla Roadster. Its performance statistics are owed to its power-to-weight ratio. The rear-wheel-drive model features a compact, mid-mounted 201 bhp electric motor (delivering 166 lb ft of torque), a lightweight battery pack and all-new carbon-fibre bodywork. Total weight is 2,354 lb, contributing to the SP:01′s driving dynamics and handling.

The model is being launched following a five year development and road-test programme. To deliver instantaneous torque for fast acceleration, the SP:01′s innovative powertrain creates an electromagnetic field around the rotor shaft, which then spins at varying speeds to drive the wheels. Drivers can select one of four gear ratios for optimal acceleration, but unlike a manual shift in a conventional car, there is little need to change gear regularly to ensure brisk progress.

With an energy storage capacity of 37 kWh, the battery gives the SP:01 a range of almost 190 miles between recharges, when tested to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. Detroit Electric’s home charging unit will enable drivers to charge their car, with full charge achieved in just over 4 hours. Rigorously tested by Detroit Electric for use in the SP:01, the battery technology also has been deployed successfully in other highly demanding applications, notably in helicopters and submarines.

It is the first production vehicle to be marketed under the Detroit Electric brand since 1939. On sale in many of Detroit Electric’s target markets by end of August, it will herald a new family of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that will enter production by the end of 2014.

Each Detroit Electric SP:01 will come with a three-year, 30,000-mile warranty with an optional extension for the battery to five years and 50,000 miles.

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