China has become synonymous with high-tech EVs, but the SSCC SC01 is cut from a very different cloth. Instead of chasing the big numbers; supercar-rivalling power figures, this compact electric coupe has been engineered with one goal in mind — putting the driver first. And judging by its specification sheet, it could be one of the most exciting electric sports cars to emerge in recent years.
Developed by China’s Tianjin Gongjiang Pai Auto Technology and set to be sold in the UK by the newly formed Small Sports Car Company (SSCC), the SC01 takes clear inspiration from lightweight British sports cars. Its proportions immediately bring to mind the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora, with a low-slung stance, compact dimensions, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches. The company openly admits it has drawn heavily from Britain’s rich motorsport heritage, describing the SC01 as a tribute to the philosophy of lightweight, engaging sports cars.
Unlike most modern EVs that rely on heavy skateboard platforms, the SC01 uses a tubular chrome-moly steel spaceframe chassis. Even more interestingly, its 60 kWh battery pack is mounted behind the occupants rather than beneath the floor, mimicking the layout of a mid-engined sports car. This allows for a lower seating position, a lower centre of gravity and more balanced weight distribution, while helping keep kerb weight down to around 1365 kg — remarkably light by electric sports car standards.
Power comes from a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 429 bhp and 560 Nm. That gives the SC01 all-wheel-drive and enough punch to dispatch the 0 to 100 kph sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds before reaching a limited 200 kph top speed. The battery boasts a claimed CLTC range of up to 520 km, and it also gets fast charging, which adds 30 to 80 per cent juice in less than 25 minutes.
The SC01 gets pushrod suspension at both ends with fully adjustable dampers, forged aluminium suspension components, 13-inch brake discs clamped by six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers, and lightweight 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Inside, the minimalist cabin stays true to the driver’s car brief. Instead of multiple touchscreens, there’s a digital instrument display, physical climate controls, a mechanical handbrake and carbonfibre bucket seats. Interestingly, the driver’s seat is positioned slightly closer to the centre of the car to optimise driving position, another nod to traditional sports car engineering.
The SC01 is expected to arrive in the UK later this year before expanding to other European markets in limited numbers.
