Usain Bolt-backed firm reveals two-seat electric Bolt Nano

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A firm named Bolt, aptly backed by runner extraordinaire Usain Bolt, has revealed a two-seat electric car, called the Bolt B-Nano, designed for short, inner-city journeys.

Bolt initially launched a range of micro-scooters intended for trips of up to two miles, but it has now introduced the car to its range. The B-Nano addresses journeys of between two and 15 miles.

The one-plus-one – a similar set-up to the Renault Twizy – is designed to fit through a doorway and has space for bags. No technical details of the machine, such as the battery range or speed, have been released.

Bolt claims the B-Nano, unveiled at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, France, is the only electric micro-car in the world to use swappable batteries. Seat unveiled its Minimó quadricycle in March this year, which also uses swappable batteries. However, this isn't due to make production until 2021. By contrast, orders are now being taken for the Nano.

The B-Nano has been created for ride-sharing, so you can use the car and park it whenever and wherever you want. While many e-scooter systems rely on staff collecting them in vans and taking them to be charged, the intention is that the Bolt's swappable batteries cen be replaced by staff wherever they are parked. There will also be charging stations that users can dock the cars at.

Bolt’s main announcement at Vivatech was a plan to expand its scooter service into Paris. It aims to spread to other European cities in near future, although the UK is unlikely due to regulatory issues.

The Bolt company was founded in 2018 and is based in Florida, US. Its website states it was launched to “fill the gaps in micro mobility”.
It adds: “Bolt has conducted extensive research within urban areas and is prepared to revolutionise transportation. We believe that we can provide a scooter that will aid in alleviating transit issues including traffic congestion with little to no impact on pedestrian comfort."

Design boss Alejandro Mesonero told Autocar that the brand is "working on the production version now which will come in 2021. The shape won’t change but the materials will.”

The tiny all-electric quadricycle, similar to the Renault Twizy, has been developed to “help meet the challenges of city driving, emission regulations… the increasing fatigue of traffic jams or the lack of parking spaces”. Measuring just 2.5m long and 1.24m wide, the Minimó is less than half the footprint of the average A-segment city car. 

It blends motorbike details, such as a single headlight, with an SUV-like driving position, relatively exposed 17in wheels and asymmetrical doors which are designed to open in tight spaces. "Even if a car is for car sharing it needs to be attractive," said Mesonero. "If it’s not, we will fail".

The Minimó’s interior is described as offering a “tactile, clean and comfortable space”, with a generous 1+1 seating layout giving equal amounts of room to driver and passenger. Seat claims its 360deg view offers unrivalled visibility. 

The concept’s electric motor and 15kWh battery pack allow a modest 62 miles of range on a single charge, but Seat has designed the pack to be removed from under the floor and swapped for a charged pack “in a matter of seconds”.  A traditional plug-in model is also under consideration. 

A central display inside the car allows the use of wireless Android Auto tech, and Seat says the Minimó will be ready for level four autonomous technology when it arrives. That would allow it to pick up the user when requested, revealing its intention as a car-sharing mobility solution. "The car is dedicated to car sharing from beginning but I believe it will have appeal for private use," added Mesonero. 

Seat also said it will created an in-house software subsidiary, located in Barcelona, which will be open in the next 12 months. Seat boss Luca de Meo explained the decision to lead its own software development: “Cars have ten times more code than a smartphone and we estimate that will multiply by ten when hyper-connectivity kicks in.” The move is in contrast to many car makers, which are going into partnership with established software providers.