US Nasdaq-listed EV start-up Mullen Automotive has revealed some more of the specs of its ultra-high-performance electric sport crossover the Five RS, ahead of the launch later this month of its “strikingly different” test-drive tour around the US.
What we already knew about the Mullen Five was that it is a sleek looking SUV crossover with an estimated range of 525km, a 95kWh battery pack and a price tag starting at $US55,000 ($A80,000). It’s available for pre-order on the company’s website for a $US100 deposit.
What we didn’t know until mid-way through last month, is that it will boast a top, face-melting speed of 200 mph – or 321km/h – and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 1.9 seconds.
Mullen also revealed that the Five RS will be equipped with 800-volt architecture, all-wheel drive, a two-speed gearbox, and 1,100 horsepower.
The website says the EV can fast charge from 0 to 80% (260 miles of range) in just 21 minutes.
“The Mullen Five RS is an extremely high-performance EV and intended for those who especially enjoy track/high-performance driving,” said Calin Popa, president of Mullen Automotive.
“The Five RS is intended to be one of the fastest vehicles on the planet, competing with some of the best and most well-known and regarded automotive marques,” said Mullen Automotive CEO and chair, said David Michery.
Mullen is embarking this month on its first leg of the “Strikingly Different” US test-drive tour, starting in California on October 27 and 28 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
From there, the US tour will move on to Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 10 and 11 at the world-famous Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and then on to Texas and Tennessee.
Fascinatingly, Mullen says here that due to the high-powered capabilities of the Five RS, consumers will not be allowed to test drive the vehicle directly at this stage.
Rather, Mullen will offer potential customers a ride alongside a professional IndyCar race car driver, “providing an up-close and personal experience in one of the fastest vehicles available globally.”
This strikingly different offer is only open to “front row” reservation holders, though, so you’ll need to make that $100 deposit.
As The Driven reported in July, Mullen Automotive has filed more than 130 patents in 24 countries, including Australia, for its Mullen Five.
What this means for Australia is not clear, but Michery did say this: “We fully intend to make the Mullen Five available around the world, and these patents, including filings in 24 international countries, show our intended commitment to do so.”
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.