EV manufacturer E-Cite announced that it is going to use Tesla electric motors and batteries for its EV GT 2023 launch. The startup earlier used Ford parts. However, shifted to Tesla as it plans to utilize Tesla parts in its vehicles with upgraded specifications of its first vehicles.
According to the company, its stock motors and batteries for the 2023 EV GT would now be produced by and purchased from Tesla. As the company’s parts “increase horsepower, improve cooling, and adapt to E-Cite’s proprietary chassis,” Stated by the company said. Previously, E-Cite was planning to use the Ford Performance Eluminator motor, which produced 281 horsepower. Ford’s parts caused integration issues and concerns over cost, while better performance capabilities from Tesla’s parts ultimately led to the switch.
E-Cite COO Gene Langmesser said, “After thoroughly evaluating all known potential options, the proven Tesla platform provides us with the best possible solution available. Using modified Tesla motors and batteries further reduces our engineering requirements, dramatically increases our performance capabilities, and due to sheer economies of scale, reduces the cost of manufacturing that we can pass on to our customers. We also believe that customer confidence will be increased over using less proven platforms.”
Specifications
The changes have allowed E-Cite to modify and upgrade the specifications for the GT EV trim levels. The base model has been boosted to 450 horsepower from the previously-rated 281 horsepower while also offering 450 Nm of torque. The mid-level motor now has 540 horsepower with 600 Nm of Torque. The Performance Version will now pack 640 Horsepower with 650 Nm of torque. The range is expected to come in around 300 miles based but will vary based on driving style and configuration.
Currently, E-Cite is waiting for approval from the NHTSA to use the vehicle, and other planned models, on public roads. The company was awarded special exemptions from the NHTSA, and E-Cite expects the 2023 EV GT’s first production vehicles to be delivered less than 12 months after “inception to the showroom.” The company will offer a full 24-month, 50,000-mile OEM warranty serviceable at any certified E-Cite service center.
E-Cite Motors has submitted applications to the NHSTA in accordance with (49 CFR Part 586) for use on public roads for three separate vehicles. They include an all-wheel drive, an all-electric Hypercar that is expected to exceed 222 mph, an affordable EV Sportscar, and a Super SUV Truck, all of which are currently being processed. Due to reduced development times afforded under E-Cite’s special exemptions from the NHTSA, E-Cite expects to be delivering its first production vehicles for the 2023 model year. That is less than 12 months from inception to the showroom.
