Introducing the Ark Zero: The UK’s Most Affordable Electric Car
The Ark Zero is the latest electric vehicle (EV) to hit the market, and it’s making waves for its affordability and functionality. Priced at just £5995, this two-seater quadricycle is being touted as “the UK’s most affordable electric car”. But what makes the Ark Zero stand out from the competition? Let’s take a closer look.
Design and Features
The Ark Zero is a compact vehicle that measures 2500mm in length, 1202mm in width, and 1625mm in height. It’s shorter in length than its closest rival, the Citroën Ami, but taller. The body is made entirely of aluminium, which offers greater energy absorption and dissipation in the event of an accident. This improves occupant safety while also allowing for improved handling and manoeuvrability in cities. The aluminium body also provides a more balanced weight distribution and corrosion resistance.
The Ark Zero is available in one specification only, with customers able to choose between four different colours – red, black, white, and grey. As standard, it comes with a sunroof, reversing camera, LED lights, a central LCD infotainment screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. It uses a standard Type 1 charger, which allows charge speeds of up to 7.4kW, with Type 2 chargers available using a converter. According to the firm, a full charge takes six to eight hours and costs “less than £1”.
Performance
The Ark Zero is powered by a 3bhp motor that’s powered by a lithium-ion battery. It has a top speed of 28mph and a range of 50.3 miles on a single charge. While this may not seem like much compared to other EVs on the market, it’s important to remember that the Ark Zero is a quadricycle and not a full-sized car. It’s designed for short trips around the city, making it an ideal choice for urban dwellers who don’t need a car for long journeys.
Ordering and Delivery
The Ark Zero is now available to order from the firm’s website only. Cars will be delivered to customers 14-16 weeks after their order confirmation, and orders are limited to the UK only. Leasing is not available. However, the firm plans to extend its operations further afield in the near future.
Future Plans
The Ark Zero is just the beginning for this British EV start-up. The firm has further plans to launch an A-segment car in the near future and will offer autonomous ride-hailing services in London starting next year. This is an exciting development for the EV market, as it shows that smaller start-ups are taking on the big players and offering innovative solutions to the challenges of urban mobility.
Competition
The Ark Zero arrives among a spate of micro-EV launches as firms target younger city dwellers and the average price of a car in the UK spirals. As of January 2023, this price was £39,308. Fiat recently announced its second EV, the Toppolino, which is based on the Ami and is designed to “make young people fall in love with cars again”. While the Toppolino is not yet available for purchase, it’s clear that the micro-EV market is heating up, and consumers have more options than ever before.
Conclusion
The Ark Zero is an exciting addition to the EV market, offering an affordable and functional solution for urban dwellers. While it may not have the range or speed of other EVs on the market, it’s designed for a specific purpose and does that job well. With plans to expand its operations and offer autonomous ride-hailing services, Ark is positioning itself as a major player in the future of urban mobility. If you’re in the market for a compact EV that won’t break the bank, the Ark Zero is definitely worth considering.