T3 Motion announced last week that it is accepting
pre-orders for its latest EV, the three-wheel GT3. This vehicle developer has
already made noise with the T3 Series electric stand-up vehicle (ESV) and the
CT Micro Car. The T3 Series ESV is a more rugged take on the Segway and is
currently used by police departments and security companies. The CT Micro Car
is a diminutive EV that is intended for use by mall security, campus police and
military personnel. The GT3 moves T3 Motion toward sales to the general public
rather than fleet operators.
T3 Motion powers the GT3 with an 18kWh lithium-polymer
battery and an AC motor. This two-seat EV can travel up to 70 miles per hour,
making it more than a neighborhood electric vehicle. The company notes that the
GT3 achieved up to 100 miles per charge in testing. T3 Motion implemented a
dual-shock suspension system that was borrowed from Formula 1 vehicles. GT3
drivers will be able to share vehicle information with T3 Motion using the
vehicle’s data recording system.
The GT3 features two front wheels and one rear wheel
designed for efficient transportation. T3 Motion representatives tout the
low-resistance tires used on all three wheels, which balance good traction with
durability. The rear wheel uses two tires to ensure proper balance especially
during sharp turns. The company uses a sleek, low profile design that allows
air to roll smoothly over the cockpit. T3 Motion also includes a convertible
top with the GT3 to accommodate drivers in warmer climates. The GT3 is not only
more useful to commuters than T3 Motion’s other products but it also meets
aesthetics criteria for many consumers.
Customers pre-ordering the GT3 will put down $500 deposits
to reserve their vehicles. T3 Motion has not released an exact price for the
GT3 though estimates range from $35,000 to $42,000. Real-world experiences with
the T3 Series and the CT Micro Car have shown that T3 Motion can produce high-performance
electric vehicles. In the meantime, we will need to see how T3 Motion handles
production and distribution of the GT3 before passing judgment. The artist’s
renderings and projected performance seem great but early adopters may be left
hanging for months or years before the GT3 is ready.
