► Sub 1,000kg, 160bhp
► Original EV platform
► Starts from £81,250
Nope. You’re wrong. This isn’t an electric Porsche 356a. This is a Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) Coupe.
It’s a sub-1,000kg, rear-wheel drive, fixed-head sports car based on WEVC’s own EV platform. It has a 40kWh battery and a mid-mounted 160bhp electric motor.
The 0-62mph time is just over five seconds, while it has a predicted range of 230 miles.
The first batch of ‘Launch Edition’ models will run to 21 cars. Each is priced from £81,250 with customer deliveries starting in early 2022.
Cars will be road-worthy and come with new registration plates.
Watt’s under the skin?
WEVC reckons it’s carved itself out a new (and incredibly small) niche with this coupe – the two-seater, rear-wheel drive, mid-motor-mounted, electrically powered, and of course, retro-inspired market.
Founder and owner of WEVC, Neil Yates, says: ‘The WEVC Coupe’s focus is on engaging the driver, providing enjoyment in real-world situations from city streets to B-roads.
‘With double wishbone suspension, 16-inch wheels and 60-profile tyres, it has a comfortable ride, excellent steering response and a handling balance that is entertaining and exploitable, rather than chasing outright lateral grip.’
WEVC’s in-house developed EV platform is called PACES. It’s modular and is made from bonded aluminium.
The battery is integrated into the chassis as opposed to a separate battery case, allowing the entire platform to be lightweight and very structurally efficient.
Both powertrain and chassis meet ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval crash requirements.
How realistic is it?
There are a few development models and the project has gone through 10 months worth of testing near WEVC’s HQ in Cornwall.
Neil Yates says: ‘Extensive simulation work indicates we can achieve a WLTP range of 230 miles, with prototype testing supporting the translation of that data into real world performance.’
The WEVC Coupe’s advanced development phase will continue over the coming months ahead of a full production car reveal in late summer.
Manufacturing will begin at WEVC’s home in Cornwall in November with first deliveries in early 2022.
How different is it to a Porsche 356a?
Well it’s electric for a start. Plus it’s mid-mounted rather than rear-engined.
All the exterior surfaces are different, while inside there’s an entirely new cabin, made using premium lightweight materials. We’re yet to see inside a finished version yet.
Creature comforts will include mobile connectivity and air-con.
Of course it does look a lot like a 356a. Yates adds: ‘For the very first model, I didn’t want to create a new design language and distract from what lies beneath: our innovative new EV architecture. On a personal level I’ve always loved the shape of the early Coupe. It is a beautifully elegant and proportioned car.
‘We haven’t contacted Porsche regarding our new car but we have enormous respect for the brand’s heritage and product range.’
