In 2018, a car manufacturer in Denmark introduced a small electric car dubbed iEV X that could stretch from a single to a two-seater vehicle. This year, the company – iEV Motors – has replaced it with a new and improved model dubbed iEV Z.
The adorable electric car measures only 30.7 in (78 cm) wide by 57 in (145 cm) high by 198 cm (78 in) long when in single-passenger mode. However, according to the car manufacturer, it weighs roughly 485 lb (220 kg).
When the driver wants to accommodate another passenger, the car can be robotically extended to a length of 92.5 in (235 cm). This extension allows a second folding seat to pop out from behind the driver’s seat. Impressively, it can extend further to 108 in (275 cm) for extra cargo aside from the passenger. iEV Motors claims that the transformation takes a few seconds.
The iEV Z has a 1-kW motor that offers a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), with its 3.3-kW/h lithium battery pack allowing the vehicle to run for about 62 mi (100 km) per 3-hour charge. In addition, rooftop solar panels help keep it juiced up while driving around. And depending on local traffic regulations, the iEV Z can be driven in bicycle lanes. However, cyclists may not be pleased about that.
Among several improvements over the iEV X model, the new model sports:
- A front cargo area;
- An entirely redesigned carbon steel chassis and aluminum/carbon fiber body;
- Power windows;
- An upgraded robotic charging system
- Anti-intrusion beams for extra strength and safety;
- Windows made of molded safety glass (the iEV X used acrylic);
The company claims that “the iEV Z is the world’s narrowest car and six times smaller than a standard-sized car.” Furthermore, due to its miniature size, the iEV Z is the only car in the world that can drive through a doorframe.
The interior is modern, comfortable, and equipped with two seats, a dashboard with a 12-inch display, LED touch buttons, and cameras. The car manufacturer is also working on an iEV Z+ model with higher specs.
While the iEV Z is still in production, iEV Motors announced that they would deliver the first units later this year. The iEV Z is priced at about US$6,637 (€5,850) for the first 50 customers. Watch the new iEV Z in action in the video below.
