Artega puts you behind the handlebars of an electric "road ATV"

The highlight of Artega's booth at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show was quite clearly the Scalo sports car, but the newly revived German outfit also applied its electric powertrain know-how to another debut show vehicle. An all-electric, sit-atop four-wheeler, the Karo is designed to combine the feel of a jet ski, ATV and motor scooter. It's a two-seat, road-going "fun mobile."

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The Karo concept vehicle measures in at 81.7 x 51.2 x 45.4 in (208 x 130 x 115 cm) and has a wheelbase of 56.9 in (145 cm). Its pulsing heart is a high-performance synchronous motor wired up to a 5.3-kWh lithium-ion battery. That motor sends power to the rear wheels.
Artega plans to match motor and electronically-limited top speed options to specific German motorcycle license regulations. The top-level unit offers 17 kW (23 hp) of continuous power, 38 kW (51 hp) of peak power and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) of torque. Artega estimates a 0-50 mph (80.5 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). It lists range at up to 50 miles (80.5 km). Four disc brakes bring the wheels to a stop.
Billed as a "road ATV" and "fun mobile," the Karo seems less buttoned-up office commuter and more weekend escape machine. Artega says the chassis below the fiberglass body is inspired by race car design and built to deliver a go kart-like feel to the one or two riders above. The integrated high-strength steel-reinforced leg guards improve safety and provide splash protection. A digital high-resolution instrument panel displays system information.

The Karo also includes a weatherproof Bluetooth speaker that plays music via smartphone or other connected device. It is removable, allowing you to use it both on and off the Karo. It charges off the vehicle battery when docked and offers up to four hours of play time when used on its own.
The vehicle's 3-kW charger and cable are located on board to make charging easier, and Artega estimates a 2.5-hour charge time. An included wireless charging dock keeps your smartphone topped up.
We're not sure that all-electric road ATVs are in hot demand, but Artega does indicate that the Karo concept was prepared with production in mind, so it may very well join the Scalo on production lines.
from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1MBYjQW