SARIT
In an effort to improve traffic flow and solve parking problems, companies around the world are coming up with new and intriguing micro-electric vehicle designs. SARIT, a compact electric three-wheeled vehicle manufactured in Canada. It provides a sustainable solution for urban mobility that promises to help commuters avoid long hours in traffic jams.
SARIT, whose name is an acronym for Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport, is the brainchild of Frank Stronach, founder of Magna International, a global automotive parts supplier based in Aurora, Ontario. The man relinquished control of Magna a decade ago and now focuses on other ventures, the latest of which is Stronach International. Its mission is to “improve society and the environment through zero-emission micro-mobility transportation and organic regenerative agribusiness.”
SARIT, is a vision for the future of urban mobility. The idea for the miniaturized car, as expected, came to him when he found himself in a traffic jam. The innovative electric vehicle may look like a tiny car. However, it actually boasts a three-wheel configuration with a closed aluminum safety cage. It is essentially a fully enclosed motorcycle with three wheels, two doors and a small trunk. The company came up with this design because it believes e-bikes are not suitable for everyone, especially in the winter.
According to census data, 90 percent of people who travel by car, truck or motorcycle are usually alone in the vehicle. So why ride in a vehicle designed for more people if you’re the only one using it. While the SARIT is not meant to replace a car or SUV, it would be a good solution for short trips. For example, such as to work, the gym, doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and the like. Its main advantage is that it offers the convenience of e-bikes and e-scooters with all the advantages of a vehicle, albeit in a very small size.
The compact three-wheeler is really tiny. It is only 91 centimeters wide, 229 centimeters long and 168 high. But it can comfortably transport not one, but two people. The passenger will ride behind the driver, like a two-passenger motorcycle, as the seat back slides backwards. Design elements from the bike world continue in the controls on the handlebars, twist throttle and manually operated disc brakes on all three wheels. This means there are no pedals in sight. The handlebars also feature a three-speed shifter and a forward/reverse switch.
At the heart of the SARIT is a 96 Ah lithium-ion battery that provides a range of 100 km on a single charge. A standard household outlet can be used to recharge it in about four and a half hours. Therefore, owners will be able to plug it in almost anywhere. In terms of performance, the top speed will be around 60 km/h.
Despite the fairly high speed, the weight distribution of the low-mounted battery and motor provides stability during cornering. The motorcycle-style steering provides easy maneuverability even in tight spaces. For added safety and convenience, the three-wheeler can be optionally equipped with a rearview camera and stereo system.
The design features removable doors so the driver can enjoy the outdoors in good weather. On cold days, the closed cabin will remain quite comfortable thanks to the heat generated by the electric motor. Moreover, the company ensures that the three-wheeler can handle snowy conditions perfectly if it is equipped with the right winter tires. A small storage compartment behind the seat back will take care of transportation needs. It will fit a few grocery bags or a backpack, and can be accessed via the trunk lid at the rear.
The concept of the SARIT is to be used as an all-weather alternative mobility solution for short trips around the city in situations where a bicycle would be too unprotected and a car would be too inconvenient. The company’s goal in creating this small electric vehicle is to reduce traffic congestion and significantly improve parking efficiency, as a typical parking space accommodates at least four SARITs. Moreover, the applications of the two-seater electric vehicle go beyond public roads. It can be used at universities, in business parks or in gated communities. In fact, the SARIT fleet is currently involved in a pilot project.
Production of the SARIT electric three-wheeler is set to begin this summer in Ontario, Canada. Pricing has yet to be determined, but initial estimates hover around the mark of around $6,250.
