The Detroit Electric SP:01 has finally found a grounding point: Holland

By Joe Mahan April 3, 2014

detroit electric sp01 finally found grounding point header all pages — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Detroit Electric has just zapped itself back into existence. If you don’t know about this historic company that’s ok, it has been on and off the grid for quite some time.

Detroit Electric unveiled the SP:01 in March of 2012, just after the company was reincarnated from 70 years of silence.

This time around it has finally found a home. Six months ago we reported that the SP:01 would ready for production, but Detroit had not secured a facility to build its cars.

Sadly, the Lotus-based electric car will not be built in Detroit, as the name suggests. Instead, the car will be made in Holland. Why Holland? Detroit Electric has stated that, “Supply chain logistics have dictated that the assembly operations for the limited production run of that vehicle have currently to be located just in Europe.” Also, according to The Detroit Bureau, the company still plans to have a presence in the Detroit community.

Maybe Detroit Electric is simply trying to gain inspiration from other Danish cars like the Zenvo ST1 or Spyker C8. Independent automotive start-ups have a hard time gain traction, especially Detroit Electric, since this is not the first time it has failed.

The SP:01 might not have a roaring V8 like the Zenvo or Spyker, but it will have extremely agile handling provide by the Lotus Elise platform on which its based. Carbon fiber body panels made by Detroit improve the looks and decrease weight, while all of the tarmac-hugging independent suspension and anti-roll bars from the Lotus are carried over.

More importantly, the car still utilizes a mid-engine layout to support the large battery back. The electric motor produces 201 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Unimpressed by the numbers? You shouldn’t be, because the Detroit Electric SP:01 will be the fastest electric car … in the world. Detroit claims a 0 to 60 time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Take that Tesla.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Joe Mahan is an intern at Digital Trends working in the Cars section. He is currently a Junior at the University of Portland…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.