Detroit Electric has announced that it will start making a battery-powered sports car in August.
The company, which says it has established its headquarters in the famous Fisher Building, says it will create 180 jobs and build up to 2,500 cars per year. No details on price, range or power were provided. However, a representative has confirmed that the vehicle will use motors, battery packs and bespoke electronics made by Detroit Electric.
Detroit Electric claims that the car will have "bold styling, outstanding performance, exhilarating handling characteristics and impressive range."
The original Detroit Electric was founded in 1907 but went out of business due to the proliferation of the internal combustion engine, not long before the start of World War II. The company was one of the top electric car makers, selling around 13,000 vehicles to customers that allegedly included Thomas Edison and John D. Rockefeller Jr.
The company was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, who previously worked as executive director of Lotus Cars. It is working on a "full-scale" distribution network for nationwide sales. In terms of funding, the company is targeting private investors along with the U.S. government and the State of Michigan for funding. This could indicate an attempt on the company's part to garner the sort of alternative-fuel loans that contributed to the funding of startups such as Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors.
A teaser image of the car gives the appearance of a Lotus Elise or Exige. It's certainly a strong possibility that the car will be an electric version of the Lotus, given that Detroit Electric wants to partner with a global automaker. In 2008, the company was said to be in talks with numerous Chinese and Malaysian automakers in regard to making an electric sedan, though that car never came to fruition.
Detroit Electric will reveal the new vehicle at a private event on April 3 in Detroit. The car will then make its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. After that, it will be shown at major auto shows worldwide. Detroit Electric also plans to begin producing two all-electric sedans by late 2014.
