In a world where cars seem to be getting bigger by the year, it’s refreshing to see that not everyone is following suit. Meet the Ari Motors 902, a tiny electric van that’s designed specifically for light-duty urban cargo transportation in Europe.
At just 2.95 meters (9.68 ft) long, 1.50 meters (4.92 ft) wide, and 1.5 meters (4.92 ft) tall, this diminutive German EV is approximately 80 percent the size of a Mazda Miata, but it packs a lot more cargo space with 766 liters (27 cubic feet). While it may technically be a van, it only has about as much cargo space as a Toyota Corolla Cross with the seats in place and a payload capacity of only 190 kg (419 lb).
But don’t let its small size fool you. The Ari Motors 902 has a range of 110-200 km (68-124 mi) on a full charge, which is more than what you’d get from the much larger Mazda MX-30. It may not have much horsepower, boasting only 20 hp (20 PS / 15 kW) and a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph), but it’s perfect for zipping around city streets.
If you’re worried about creature comforts, don’t be. All models of the Ari Motors 902 come standard with a digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth audio, and a rear-view camera. The Cargo trim adds lashing/mounting/tie-down points in the trunk, as well as air conditioning and power steering. And if you’re willing to splurge a little, the Comfort model offers even more features, such as a retractable cargo cover, fog lights, and driver assistance systems like traffic sign recognition and lane-keep assist.
The Ari Motors 902 may not be for everyone, but it’s perfect for those who are looking for a compact and eco-friendly way to transport goods around the city. With prices starting at €13,990 ($15,381) for the base Pure model and going up to €13,990 ($17,580) for the range-topping Comfort, it’s an affordable option that’s hard to ignore. And with the option to add a roof rack, a solar panel, and even a glass pop-up roof, you can customize it to fit your needs.
