Type: 100% all-electric vehicle
Class: Tandem 2-seater
Manufacturer: Commuter Cars Corporation
The manufacturer says …
“An ultra-narrow, freeway-capable, stable, safe vehicle that fits anywhere a motorcycle fits … The Tango will revolutionize commuter transportation in the 21st century.”
The length. At 8’ 5” long, the Tango can park perpendicular to the curb, nestled between two cars in a space that only a motorcycle could fit in
The upgrade capacity. It appears that it will be possible to upgrade the vehicle’s battery pack from lead-acid to Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) in the future. Both will dramatically improve vehicle performance, in particular range.
The weight. For such a small car, the Tango weighs in at an enormous 3,057 pounds—a full third found in the battery. Finding ways to reduce this weight would do wonders for fuel efficiency. However, that may not be such a good idea, since it relies on this weight for safety reasons.
The cost. At $105,000, it’s no wonder George Clooney is among the few known purchasers—the huge majority of us can not afford this sticker price. Furthermore, the high cost effectively cripples the vehicle’s ability to pay for itself over time by avoiding the pump. However, it is this costly due to things like leather interior and an Alpine sound system; future models are rumored to be substantially less expensive (as low as $19,000).
