Gadget guru Hammacher Schlemmer has introduced the 4000 Watt Roadster, a two-person electric car with a top speed of 25 mph and 60 miles-per-charge.
The low speed vehicle features open-air doors on a steel body frame with an automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and independent suspension. The car's batteries can be recharged by plugging into standard household current overnight. At $13K, the stylish little 4000 Watt Roadster is available at Hammacher Schlemmer.
Implications - Add to that the fact that these compact cars are totally eye catching and you have a bonafide roadster threat that other car companies should be weary of. Who doesn't want a cute and environmentally friendly vehicle?
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Super-slow City Cars
- Manufacturing super-slow city cars that are environmentally friendly and eye-catching may be a viable market for car companies.
- Low-speed Electric Vehicles
- Developing low-speed electric vehicles that are affordable and stylish for urban areas could improve consumer uptake of electric vehicles.
- Small Electric Cars
- Creating smaller electric cars with innovative features may be a disruptive innovation opportunity for car manufacturers.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Automotive Industry
- Car companies may consider diversifying their product lines with eco-friendly, stylish and low-speed vehicles to appeal to urban consumers.
- Transportation Industry
- The transportation industry could explore introducing super-slow city cars as a means to improve urban transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
- Electric Vehicle Industry
- Electric vehicle manufacturers could design small, affordable and eco-friendly electric vehicles with unique features for urban customers.
