Lit Motors Re-Opens Pre-Orders For Self-Balancing C-1 EV

San Francisco-based startup Lit Motors set automotive subcultures ablaze when it revealed the C-1 idea in 2011. Claiming all the advantages of a bike with all of the comfort of a automotive—and not one of the drawbacks of both—the self-balancing, enclosed two-wheeler swiftly attracted the eye of mainstream media such because the New York Occasions and Wired.

These platforms bolstered Lit Motors to open pre-orders for the $24,000 C-1 in 2015. When the manufacturing mannequin nonetheless didn’t floor after two years, although, the corporate closed bookings and reimbursed prospects. Lit Motors CEO Danny Kim didn’t let that failed launch deter him from bringing his autonomous-balancing electrical car (AEV) to the market, nonetheless.

After a prolonged hiatus, the startup not too long ago re-opened bookings for the C-1. This time round, the mannequin carries a $32,000 price ticket. To safe a pre-order unit, prospects should fork over $250. That reservation charge additionally covers an AEV Queue t-shirt and certificates.

Much like a crowdfunding marketing campaign, Lit Motors will depend on the primary 10,000 bookings to provoke the manufacturing course of. The agency plans to supply the primary 10,000 items by 2026 and the subsequent 100,000 examples between 2027 and 2031. Which will look like a heavy elevate for such a distinct segment model, particularly when Lit goes mild on the car particulars.

Up to now, we all know the C-1 employs a double gyroscope to optimize stability. Lit additionally outfits the AEV with a 13-kWh battery that yields 150-220 miles on a single cost. Relying on whether or not the person makes use of a 220V or 110V outlet, the mannequin requires 4-8 hours to totally recharge. Lit might not disclose the specs of the C-1’s mid-mounted motor, nevertheless it claims that the unit propels the two-wheeler to a five-second 0-60mph time and a high pace of over 100 mph.

Judging by the mannequin webpage, we additionally anticipate the C-1 that includes drive-by-wire steering and side-curtain airbags. Whereas Lit Motors struggled to return so far, there’s an extended highway forward earlier than it lastly will get the C-1 on the highway.