Lumeneo's titling electric car, the Smera, will be released early 2009 according to CNET TV. The official announcement will be made at the Paris Motor Show in October but CNET says Lumeneo will be "taking deliveries early 09." The CNET video also has a close up look at the Smera's electric motors and CNET TV's host, who is six feet two inches tall, gets in the car even though the fit is a little snug. The Smera has a top speed of 130 Km per hour, range of 150 Km on a single charge (which takes 3-5 hours) and will cost between 20-30,000 Euros ($31,000-$47,000US, at today's rate). Ouch.


[Source: CNET TV]

Introduced in Geneva and existing only in concept form at this time is the Lumeneo Smera, a novel new all-electric city car capable of maneuvering only where motorcycles and scooters dare to tread. Although boasting four wheels, the Lumeneo is a tilting design, similar in concept to the Carver or Piaggio MP3. The Smera seats two, but would more accurately be described as a 1+1. The driver can choose to carry either a passenger or luggage, not both. Dual electric 20 hp motors each power the rear wheels directly, there is no mechanical differential. The actual specifications of the machine are rather impressive, with the ability to go 93 miles on a single charge and hit a top-speed of 80 miles per hour. Acceleration is quite acceptable as well, with the 0-60 sprint taking only 8 seconds or so. A 144 volt lithium ion battery pack provides the juice. Apparently, Lumeneo hopes to start selling the Smera next year at an as-yet-undetermined price. We're not holding our breath to see it in the U.S. but will keep you updated on this vehicle as we hear more.

[Source: Lumeneo, Jalopnik]