We’ve all seen more electric cars around in the past fewyears as gas prices have crept up and people are becoming more concerned aboutthe environment. What makes this car unique is not only the LEI (LeadingEfficiency In-Wheel motor) concept but its performance in speed, power output,and battery life. This prototype can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.8 seconds and eachwheel delivers 65 kilowatts of power (260 kilowatts total). Compare that to theNissan Leaf which only gives a total output of 80 kilowatts. The SIM-LEI cantravel about 207 miles on one charge while the Leaf does about 100. Having the motors located in each of thewheels also provides new possibilities regarding traction and stabilitycontrol.I’m not a huge fan of the vehicle’s design, but the in-wheelmotors seem to provide more efficiency and I’m interested to see their future inelectric vehicles. SIM is expecting to begin production of its four-seat sedanin 2013 which will sell for roughly $32,000 a pop. While I can’t see these guyscruising around the streets of U.S. cities anytime soon, maybe they’re ontosomething?
