ElectraMeccanica planning to produce an alternative 'utility and fleet' version of its flagship SOLO EV

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp (NASDAQ:SOLO), a designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles, announced Wednesday that it is planning to produce an alternative “utility and fleet” version of its flagship SOLO EV, which is expected to become available in early 2021. The company said the modified vehicles are being developed based on direct input from potential commercial and fleet partners and will be equipped with a stylish and functional cargo “cap,” offering additional capacity and versatility to suit a variety of different, single-occupant commercial and utility fleet applications. Last month, ElectraMeccanica announced that it had commenced assembly line production of the consumer version of the SOLO EV through its manufacturing partner and strategic investor Zongshen Industrial Group in China.   READ: ElectraMeccanica launching ‘Drive SOLO’ marketing campaign for flagship SOLO EV now in production As part of the next step in the company’s long-term product development roadmap, ElectraMeccanica said it has been engineering upgrades and modifications over the past few months, which are designed to make the SOLO purpose-built for utility and fleet applications, including food delivery, small parcel and post distribution, and technician transportation for service calls and security.  The company’s primary focus is to provide single-person transportation where larger vehicles like trucks and vans are either unnecessary, inefficient and/or costly. “Our continued expansion of the SOLO portfolio and its applications was borne from our ongoing mission to establish a complete SOLO ‘ecosystem’ that would support personal, commercial, utility and fleet usage,” said CEO Paul Rivera in a statement.   “Following direct conversations with select fleet owners and small parcel and food delivery operators, we have been working hard to create an equally revolutionary vehicle comparable to our current SOLO that will provide utility and fleet operators a whole new, superior, efficient and cost-effective driving option compared to traditional models as well as current EV alternatives.” The SOLO utility and fleet EV is a purpose-built, three-wheeled, all-electric solution for the urban environment and will offer a low total cost of ownership. Engineered for a single occupant, it offers a unique driving experience for the environmentally conscious fleet, utility, and commercial operator.  It has a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 80 mph, making it safe for highways. It also features front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection, roll bar, torque-limiting control, as well as power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and a Bluetooth entertainment system. In addition, the company is also considering a “side-loading” version to fit additional applications.  Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham