Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. Products

The hand-built Carice MK1 blends nostalgic style with modern electric tech

Andrew Hard
By

You don’t need to spend a fortune to ride in style.

Dutch automaker Carice Cars has just introduced its first vehicle: the handmade, all electric MK1. It’s about the size of an MX-5, weighs just 771 pounds, and costs just over $36,000.

For the money, you get a retro interior, a fully electric powertrain, and that’s about it. But the MK1 is not necessarily about gadgets or technology: it’s about craftsmanship.

Related

Each MK1 is hand built in a small warehouse in Holland, and in this writer’s opinion, looks absolutely gorgeous.

The Dutch roadster is a bit of a tribute to the luxury sports cars of old, such as the Porsche 356 from which it is based. Like the 356, the MK1 has large, bug-eyed headlights and curvaceous, smooth body. Inside, both have analog gauges, stylish bucket seats, and a clean, analog dashboard. Once you look a little deeper, though, the differences start to become more apparent. 

For one, the MK1 uses a backbone chassis, which is basically a single, thick bar running the entire length of the vehicle to provide rigidity and save weight.

Carice Cars MK1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More importantly, however, is the powertrain. The MK1 is completely electric, gathering energy from a lithium-ion battery pack integrated directly into the chassis. This allows for perfect 50:50 weight distribution, although performance isn’t really the MK1’s specialty.

Buyers have a choice of three trim levels: one with 20 horsepower, one with 54, and a “junior version” with just five horses. That may not sound like a lot, but because of the MK1’s plastic body (yes, you read that right), it only has 771 pounds to lug around.

For customers who want a little more driving time, Carice offers a small, gas-powered “range extender” for an extra boost. Carice is even planning a hydrogen-powered MK1 in the coming months.

With its three-spoke wooden steering wheel, red bucket seats, and spherical body, the MK1 is a nostalgic homage to old school craftsmanship but with modern ingredients. The only thing that’s missing is the soundtrack of a burbly inline, but if you’re one of the 10 lucky customers planned so far, you’ll have to do with the roar of the tires and the wind in your hair.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more