The new light electric vehicle based on the Isetta bubble-car will hit the streets after all.
Manufacturer Artega had run into difficulties but now ElectricBrands has bought the company and together with the XBUS is expanding its product range with another sustainable, eco-friendly electric car boasting a modern retro style.
Driving in urban areas can often be expensive and nerve-wracking: we consume more fuel, it costs more and finding a parking space is a real challenge. The mobility of the future is small, light and climate-friendly.
And ElectricBrands AG is also pursuing this motto with its acquisition of German electric vehicle manufacturer Artega which it aims to fully integrate into the corporate group.
For months now there has been speculation about the “economic restructuring process” and the new strategies announced on car manufacturer Artega’s website. Now the secret is out: ElectricBrands acquires 100% of the German vehicle manufacturer.
Retro Runabout
The first product under new management will be the electric two-seater KARO, to be launched under a new name in early 2023. The most striking feature of this “bundle of fun” is its front-opening door. At just 2.48 metres long and 1.50 metres wide, the vehicle can even park sideways.
With a range of up to 200 kilometres, the electric car is ideal for urban driving. At the same time, the miniature model can reach a top speed of 90 km/h – emission-free! A lightweight vehicle, it is built following the same design principle as the XBUS thus allowing it to slot perfectly into the ElectricBrands AG product range.
The small electric vehicle in Isetta retro style is just about to go into final development. With safety tests done and approved nothing stands in the way of production for this miniature car.
ElectricBrands is currently setting up their assembly lines in Göttingen. The first year should see 30,000 cars roll off the production line here.
The first cars will be launched on the market in early 2023 and will create about 250 new jobs in the region and introduce the range across Europe and hopefully into the UK.