Seicento Elettra

Presented in March 1998, the Seicento Elettra is designed as a zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) for urban use. It maintains the four-seat capability of the standard Seicento, plus a slightly reduced rear luggage area.

Seicento Elettra

The drive to the rear wheels is by a three-phase, alternating-current asynchronous motor positioned under the rear of the car. Maximum power is 30kW (15kW continuous power) and maximum torque is 123 Nm. The top speed is 100km/h.

Seicento Elettra

The battery pack consists of eighteen maintenance-free 12V lead-acid units connected in series with a total weight of 400kg. They are positioned under the bonnet, within the central tunnel and beneath the rear seats. A range of 90km is possible, with a full recharge requiring about 8 hours using the onboard charger connected to normal mains power.

Seicento Elettra - the batteries

The main driving controls are the brake and accelerator, no clutch being present. A multi-position switch enables selection of N (neutral), P (park), R (reverse), D (drive) and S (Speed). Neutral deactivates the controls without locking the wheels, whilst park activates a mechanical brake system. Drive and reverse are the normal positions, whilst speed gives a higher performance (obviously at the expense of range). The insrument binnacle includes a battery level indicator and an 'ecenometer' which shows the instantaneous drain on the battery, enabling more economic driving if required.

Seicento Elettra - the controls

Under the bonnet there are the charging cable, a puncture repair spray and some tools. The heating system uses a small diesel powered burner. Low friction tyres are fitted, as are two horns to warn people and cars, since there is negligible noise from the car.

Seicento Elettra - under the bonnet

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