Will the Ark Zero be the breakout model for electric microcars in the UK? Whilst we've already reported on the likes of the Citroen Ami arriving on these shores, it's fair to say electric microcars are hardly a daily sight in our towns and cities in the way that e-bikes are. But with the Ami now definitely available, and even offered with its own insurance, could these 28mph electric microcars be about to take off? At £5,995 the Zero is certainly well-placed to take on its most high profile competitor, the Ami, for which prices start at £7,695.
What's the spec?
Given that, like the Ami, the Zero is a 28mph electric microcar, a bit of a head to head comparison on the relative spec seems in order. Technically speaking both vehicles are light quadricycles (more on these terms in our article on the various light electric vehicles out there). As such, they require registration, insurance and a qualifying driver's licence.
At 2.5m long x 1.2m wide x 1.625m high, the Zero is shorter and taller than the Citroën Ami. The weight of the largely aluminium vehicle is 489kg - very similar to the 483kg of the Ami.
Also like the Ami, there are two seats (Ark claims you can get a dog in there too...).
The Zero has a claimed range of about 50 miles (the Ami claims 46 miles) but the Ami trumps the Zero on nominal motor power (6kW vs 2.2kW). However, performance is only truly revealed in the testing and paper figures for pure power don't always translate to sportier performance in real life.
It uses a standard Type 1 charger, which allows charge speeds of up to 7.4kW from a standard UK three pin domestic socket. Charging time is estimated at six to eight hours, whereas the Ami claims a full three hour charge from a domestic socket.
The Zero also looks to be well equipped with various bells and whistles, including a sunroof, reversing camera, LCD infotainment screen and Bluetooth connectivity. As you would expect, there are various colour options.
Prices and market potential
Ark Motors are London-based and the Zero - for now at least - is only available in the UK and via the Ark website. Delivery is said to be "8-10 weeks after your order confirmation" and Ark say they are able to get the vehicle registered with the DVLA if you don't want to do it yourself.
The price is a commendably simple £5,995 - no optional extras appear to be on offer - but note there is a £2,995 reservation fee. Ark list extra costs as a £55 DVLA first registration fee, £24 for number plates and there looks to be another £350 for delivery.
We have previously stressed how e-microcars can be a viable alternative to e-mopeds. They boast similar speeds and can be driven on an AM licence (the one you can get at 16 if you want to ride a 50cc moped that can go no faster than 28mph).
There are however signs that e-microcars might be about to break out of this teen niche and more into the mainstream - even in the UK which appears to be lagging behind many places in continental Europe for uptake.
Encouragingly, Fiat have recently announced their Ami-like Topolino model will be coming to the UK in 2024, while Microlino have been expanding across the continent from their Swiss base, so hopefully it's only a matter of time before they hop across the Channel too.
E-microcars certainly have plenty to offer. Top speed is almost twice as fast as e-bikes. (Yes - we know speed pedelecs can reach 28mph under pedelec power, but obtaining insurance still appears to be a real stumbling block in the UK.) They are easier to park and cheaper to buy and run than a full size electric car - Ark claims a full 50-mile charge costs just £1. Also, as with full size electric cars, they are exempt from congestion charges, ULEZ tariffs and the like.
Ark of course agree. "At Ark Motors, we're committed to creating the future of urban mobility that is smarter, smoother and greener,” says CEO Yilmaz Bora.
To prove his point, Ark have said they have another e-microcar model coming at the end of the year. We will of course keep you fully updated on its release.
