What it’s Like to Drive the Smallest New Car

We drive the ElectraMeccanica Solo EV and see why it failed to live up to its hype.

Donut = We like cars, and we like making videos about cars. Hopefully our videos make you like cars too.

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[augustineleong]

this is the kind of car doug demuro would drive

[silent_tofu]

I test drove one of these things. Driving a gocart on the freeway is definitely thrilling and I loved the idea of the danger of a motorcycle, but having the comfort of a roof and a heater/AC.

[gambo-ree]

We NEED car designers as wacky and bold as this guy in the world, we need more of him.

[sageoz]

At first I also thought the second door was superfluous and would just add more weight and cost, but then it occurred that it gives the option of which side to exit both for convenience and more importantly safety if it rolls over. It would suck to be stuck on your right side and unable to exit

[ZesPak]

Former Twizy owner weighing in here:
1) These cars are a compromise between a motorcycle and a car
2) In my experience, over 90% of our trips could be done with it (family of 4!). The Twizy does have 2 seats though.
3) 3:12 The two doors is extremely convenient. Can park it wherever in whatever orientation and still get out easily.
4) Running it was nearly cheaper than running a bicycle mile-for mile. 100k km with just some tires and brake pads.

[xXfastuXx]

Looks like a perfect candidate for a Hayabusa engine swap

[oliverwoehrmann]

The Solo started life as the Corbin Sparrow in the early 2000s. Back then it was seen safer than a car because it was like riding in a motorcycle helmet. If I remember right the shell was fiberglass, the tail lights came from a corvette and it only had one door.

[NostarPlays]

Nolan’s up close camera angle is hilarious. please keep doing that same angle

[ghostsmoke]

"You may randomly lose power and crash"

"This is generally considered a vibe-killer"

Thanks I agree

[izgvvob]

There are now over a dozen models of EVs in China that have better specs and similar MSRPs as the Solo. Kroll sounds like a good pitchman and actually got something built, so Kudos to him for making a mark on US automotive history.

[terribleturtle]

Reviewing cars is a good fit for Nolan. I like this series.
Donut is really upping its game, and I respect them for it.

[paullmight]

raffi looks exactly like what i thought a solo owner would look like...

[unchartedchartz]

That camera angle of Nolan in the car is awesome lmao

[mbryson]

I owned an '88 Chevy Sprint Metro. 1, 488 lb. curb weight, 48 hp inline three, 53 mpg average city/highway.

It cost $6, 013 beand new, was at least as safe if not safer, and seated four adults as well as six full grocery bags. We did a couple of Illinois to California jaunts and it performed perfectly.

It's a shame that the US has fully embraced elephantine SUVs and has almost totally dropped reasonably sized vehicles. 😰

[justinnix]

Ayo. I been watching donut for five years. Yall inspired me to get into the car scene and get my first project car. I'm 24 now and I'm a year and a half into my program to get certified. Yall really helped to get my life pointed into a right direction. Wanting to be a part of yalls garage is what inspired me to find my own.

[mateuspontual]

more videos with Nolan telling histories please! I'm just a sucker for his engagement and talent. Miss wheelhouse so much 😢

[ezkiel]

The subtle Mike Stoklasa "IT BROKE NEW GROUND" at 4:57 lmao

[willspicer]

I can't be the only one to immediately think, man how fun and sketchy would it be to throw a motorcycle engine back there lol. Even a 600cc bike and rear wheel setup would be nuts

[iamdaviddoliver]

Y’all should do the Aptera once it debuts. Do a comparison on your experience with yet another motorized tricycle. Aptera is bigger though so may not feel like as much of a death trap lol. Also 2 seats so Justin can join in.

[leedavis]

As an engineer at Link Engineerimg company, I was at the Solo plant in mesa az. We installed a chassis dyno for final acceptance at the end of the future manufacturing line. This was spring 2023. All solos before this time were manufactured in China. We had a blast putting a solo through its paces. 9 months later, they called to ask if we wanted to buy the dyno back. We declined.