Currently, the all-electric sports car world is only inhabited by the Tesla Roadster. But soon, Mexican-owned German auto manufacturer Artega will have its own performance EV to give the Tesla a zero-emissions run for its money.
The Artega SE (short for Sport Electric) made its debut this month at the Geneva Motor Show and it will be available for sale in 2012 for a price of $207,000. It shares its bodywork with the company’s gasoline-powered sports car, the Artega GT.
Although the Artega SE is pricier than the Tesla Roadster, which starts at $109,000, it has a few advantages. The SE features two electric motors that power each of the rear wheels. Together, these motors produce 375 horsepower and they will propel it from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is said to be well over 155 mph.
Those are some serious numbers when compared to the sports car’s American rival. The Tesla Roadster produces 288 horsepower, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph.
The Artega SE’s primary weakness might be its range. It can traverse up to 186 miles before it needs to be charged. The Tesla, on the other hand, can go 245 miles.
Artega says that the 37 kW lithium polymer battery can be fully recharged in just 90 minutes using a commercial charging station. Of course, it can also be charged via a standard home charger at a much slower rate.
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