Li-ion Motors Inizio_a Prototype All Electric Supercar

The North Carolina-based electric automaker and electric auto conversion-maker won the X Prize for the Side-by-Side Alternative Class for its all-electric Wave II. This is the Li-ion Motors Inizio — a prototype all-

electric supercar with a range of 250 miles and a 170-mph top speed.

Li-ion Motors Inizio is designed for best aerodynamic efficiency. The movable back wing provides optimum down force and is coupled with a ridge embedded in the body that redirects airflow to reduce wind noise and drag. The sleek exterior features smooth and rounded edges, high-intensity halogen headlights, and a removable hard top. While that's a piddlingly beige appliance car, they're looking at the Inizio to be more of a Tesla Roadster-killer thanks to its higher top speed and all-American looks.

The Li-ion Motors Inizio is powered by Li-ion Motors' lithium-ion batteries that supply over 40 kilowatts of on-board energy, with an upgrade to 96.7 kilowatts available. With the optional extreme performance motor package, the electric motor can deliver up to 207 horsepower and enable the supercar to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 170 mph. A range of up to 250 miles, with a full charge that takes as little as 8 hours using a standard 220 volt outlet. INIZIO owners can expect a battery life of over 2500 full charges.

A hydraulic lift system raises the car three inches for easier entry and exit. Access is via scissor-style doors that rotate 90 degrees. Driver and passengers are treated to full-power, adjustable leather and suede Recaro seats with both heating and cooling. Because of the car's low profile, the side and rear view mirrors are coupled with high-definition cameras to provide a 360 degree view surrounding the car.

After getting DOT approval on their built-by-hand platform, Li-ion hopes to get this better-red-than-dead supercar out to the public in July of next year. They're hoping for production to reach somewhere around 15,000 units per year by some as-yet-unannounced date.