Chinese Startup SSC Unveils Production-Ready Electric Sports Car
About a year ago, we learned about a Chinese startup called Small Sports Car (SSC), which had plans to create an electric vehicle that lived up to its own name. Looking like a cross between a Lancia Stratos and a first-generation Tesla Roadster (itself based on the Lotus Elise of the time), the renderings cut an impressive figure, but we hadn’t heard much from them since then.
The SC-01: A Stylish Electric Sports Car
However, SSC is back with photos of what it claims is the production-ready version of its first model, the SC-01. The good news is it looks pretty much as we remembered, combining the compact wedge shape of the Stratos with the proportions, angularity, and the roofline of the first Tesla.
Even more impressive is SSC’s intention to offer its electric sports car for under ¥300,000 (equivalent to US$41,029 at the current exchange rates), reports China’s Autohome. With a mid-mounted battery and up to 429 hp (320 kW/435 PS), it should be a smoking deal for the EV enthusiasts out there.
Performance and Design Features
To help it handle the road, it will reportedly get horizontally-mounted pushrod suspension. Unlike many other electric vehicles, the SC-01 won’t be based on a skateboard platform. Instead, its batteries will be located in a lump in the middle of the vehicle, providing a more traditional sports car feel. While that raises the center of gravity as compared to other EVs, it does mean that the driver will be able to sit lower in the car.
Simultaneously, the utilization of tubular space frame construction around both the batteries and the driver is set to create a highly rigid and lightweight vehicle. SSC has set its sights on achieving a curb weight of merely 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg), which is about 530 lbs (240 kg) lighter than the internal combustion engine-powered Audi TT.
Although the size of the battery still has not been revealed, Small Sports Car claimed in 2022 that it was aiming for a range of 310 miles (500 km) on the NEDC cycle, which should be more than enough for a very rewarding Sunday drive.
Production and Market Availability
Production of the SC-01 is planned to begin before the year is out. Unfortunately, we still don’t know if the automaker plans to sell the car outside of China. If it hopes to sell in the U.S., it will have both a 27.5 percent tariff and a likely name change to contend with.
Conclusion
The Small Sports Car SC-01 is an exciting addition to the electric sports car market. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and affordable price tag, it has the potential to attract EV enthusiasts worldwide. While its availability outside of China remains uncertain, the SC-01 showcases the innovation and ambition of Chinese automakers in the electric vehicle space.
Whether or not the SC-01 will make its way to international markets, it serves as a testament to the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology and the increasing competitiveness of the industry. As more companies like SSC enter the market, consumers can expect to see a wider range of options and more affordable electric vehicles in the near future.
Overall, the Small Sports Car SC-01 is a promising addition to the electric sports car segment and a vehicle worth keeping an eye on for EV enthusiasts around the world.