Aixam Mega is showcasing the newly launched four seat version of its allelectric Mega City ultra-light urban vehicle, and the newly re-styled two seat model, at this year’s British International Motor Show.

With fuel costs escalating out of control, there has never been a better time to drive electric, and the Mega City is now being made available throughout the UK, after several years on the road within the M25 area.

Together, the silent-running two and four seat versions of the Mega City offer cost-conscious, environmentally-aware urban motorists an eye-catching and effective way to reduce their fuel bills, while also lightening their carbon footprint, and cutting CO­ emissions and noise pollution.

Manufactured from ABS acrylic mounted on a rigid aluminium chassis and safety cage, the Mega City is just 3m in length and well-suited to parking in small spaces in busy areas. With a top speed of 40 miles per hour and a range of around 40 miles between charges, depending on road conditions and driving style, it is ideally suited to town centre motoring.

The Mega City is rechargeable in between five and eight hours (from flat) from any standard power socket, which costs around 1.5p per mile – giving motorists large savings from day one. It is exempt from Road Tax and is also currently exempt from the London Congestion Charge. In some London Boroughs, Mega City drivers can also benefit from free parking.

Mr John Harpur, an electronics engineer from Derby, is the first person outside London to have purchased a four seat Mega City. He says: “I have always wanted an electric vehicle and bought this one after test driving it in London and being impressed with its handling.

“It has more than enough speed for driving around Derby, and plenty of boot capacity for shopping trips and business use. I am charging it about twice a week, and reckon it costs less than 1.5 p per mile to re-fuel, compared with 20p per mile for my previous car.”

The newly re-styled Mega City features new-look light clusters front and back, new-look alloy wheels and chrome wing mirrors. Colour options are metallic orange, blue, silver grey and steel grey, all with a silver roof.

Vehicles are available now from importer Aixam Mega Ltd, and will be offered by a number of regional dealers in the near future.

Prices are:
- Mega City two seat model: £11,499
- Mega City four seat model: £11,999

At the Motor Show, Aixam Mega will also be showing the Mega Multitruck electric van, one of its market-leading range of electric ultra-light commercial vehicles. Manufactured from ABS acrylic and aluminium, Mega Multitrucks are finding a ready market amongst local authorities, groundscare operators, urban delivery businesses and a host of other businesses looking for a lightweight, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional light commercials.

Both the Mega City and the Mega Multitrucks ranges are virtually 100 per cent recyclable at the end of their working lives.

Courtesy: British International Motor Show, UK