electric microcar ‘eli ZERO’ has transparent glass doors and trunk space for two carry-ons

ELI ZERO IS ARRIVING IN THE US IN LATE 2024

Since its introduction at CES 2017, the electric microcar Eli ZERO has maintained its reputation as a mini-vehicle for modern commuting. Even though it appears compact, it features transparent glass doors for clear cabin visibility and trunk space capable of accommodating two pieces of hand luggage for travel, some groceries, and even a bulky gym bag. Recently, Eli Electric Vehicles opened reservations for the electric microcar to be driven across the US.

Eli ZERO will be available for purchase exclusively to reservation holders in the US, with the expected arrival of the electric microcar beginning in the third quarter of 2024. The company indicates availability will vary by state or city and the order in which reservations are received (holders will receive an update from the company regarding availability in their area). Once the vehicle is ready for purchase, an authorized dealer will contact the customer to configure it with available options and finalize the order.

images courtesy of Eli Electric Vehicles

ELECTRIC MICROCAR THAT’S 50% SMALLER THAN MINI

A car with the agility of a motorcycle may fit the description of Eli ZERO. Eli Electric Vehicles claims its electric microcar is 70 percent smaller than a sedan and 50 percent smaller than a Mini vehicle, making it easy to maneuver through tight parking spaces and narrow roads. The microcar features a straightforward three-gear setting for easy shifting, including park, reverse, and drive. Inside the electric microcar, the dual-AC system warms up or cools down the cabin depending on the season, enabling year-round riding.

It includes Bluetooth-ready speakers for music and a digital display in front of the driver’s wheel for real-time driving information, which is placed beside an optional SONY infotainment system featuring a 10.1-inch HD screen. Ample legroom awaits the driver and passenger, who are seated in vegan leather seats. Exiting the Eli ZERO is a breeze as the electronically powered transparent glass doors open with a click of a button, and for sunny days, the sunroof can be opened to let in sunlight and breeze.

radar parking sensors that detect objects around the vehicle

The driver may no longer need to turn the steering wheel hard as they are assisted by Eli ZERO’s power-assisted steering, especially at lower speeds or when parking. The electric microcar also comes equipped with an anti-lock braking system to prevent wheel lock-up and maintain control during hard braking or skidding, along with hydraulic electric-powered and -assisted disc brakes for better stopping power.

The vehicle features a rear-view camera with a warning system for backing up and radar parking sensors that detect objects around the vehicle when parking. The LED headlights and indicators are brighter and more energy-efficient than traditional headlights, providing improved visibility at night and to other drivers. Eli ZERO accelerates quickly, climbs hills, and starts smoothly due to its high torque and smooth acceleration features.

Eli ZERO’s Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery contributes to the vehicle’s long lifespan, and its Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) manages and stores energy from the battery. The electric microcar can travel up to 90 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for urban commuting and short trips, and can extend its range using regenerative braking, which captures energy from braking and stores it back into the battery.

Eli ZERO offers Eco Mode to optimize the vehicle’s energy usage for better efficiency, reducing energy consumption and extending the driving range. Charging the vehicle from a 220 or 240V outlet takes around 2 to 4 hours, and the electric microcar can also be charged from a standard 120V outlet (though it may take longer). As of publishing, Eli Electric Vehicles is accepting US reservations for the electric microcar, with a starting price of 11,990 USD.

Eli ZERO cruising Santa Cruz