Wrightspeed X1

The Wrightspeed X1 is a one-off Ariel Atom heavily modified to use an all-electric powertrain. The Atom was chosen for its light weight and efficient design. The electric motor and inverter are sourced from AC Propulsion, makers of the TZero concept car, while the batteries are low weight, high energy density lithium ion provided from A123 Systems. As with the Atom the transmission is a Honda unit, but stripped of its shifting mechanism and other parts to provide only the second gear speed, allowed by the wide speed and torque range available from the electric motor.

X1 Prototype
Overview
Manufacturer	Wrightspeed
Production	None, prototype only
Designer	Ian Wright
Body and chassis
Class	Roadster
Body style	Open wheel roadster
Layout	Rear mid-motor, rear-wheel drive
Platform	Ariel Atom
Related	Ariel Atom, tzero
Powertrain
Electric motor	3-phase, 4-pole AC Induction
Transmission	Single gear ratio 8.25:1 (no clutch)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2345 mm / 92.3 in
Length	3410 mm / 134.25 in
Width	1798 mm / 70.8 in
Height	1195 mm / 47.0 in
Curb weight	697 kg / 1536 lb

Built by San Francisco-based New Zealand engineer Ian Wright, the X1 created a stir when it bested several sports cars in a drag race, including a Carrera GT (even with a rolling start, an advantage for the gas burning vehicles), all while being filmed by local news station KRON 4. Despite the impressive performance, the vehicle is intended only as a proof of concept. Future production is planned; however, according to the website, "... the production car will be quite different, since it will meet the safety standards, which the prototype does not. It will, however, be at least as quick as the prototype.". Mr. Wright was a co-founder of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but has since left to pursue his own ideas.