You Can Now Reserve Eli’s $11,900 Electric Microcar
Eli has officially launched its Zero electric microcar in the U.S., with a starting price of $11,900. However, this microcar is more accurately classified as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), restricted to a top speed of 25 mph.
The Zero offers a claimed 90-mile range in the U.S. and can be recharged in under 3 hours with its 3.2-kW onboard charger. Designed for short trips around town, it features a compact frame, two seats, and a small trunk. At 88 inches long, it is significantly shorter than a Fiat 500e.
Due to its NEV classification, federal regulations prohibit driving the Zero on roads with speed limits over 35 mph. With a 25 mph speed limiter, its use is even further restricted. While it may resemble a golf cart more than a traditional car, it comes with amenities like an enclosed cabin, air conditioning, power steering, rear-view camera, and optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Eli plans to distribute the Zeros through a dealer network and has the capacity to produce approximately 4,000 units annually. Reservations for the Zero can be made for $200 on the Eli website. Additional features are expected to be announced closer to the official launch later this year.