Sim Drive, a company run by Hiroshi Shimizu, sees the Sim Lei electric vehicle as one of the cheapest electric vehicles available in North America. Lei stands for leading efficiency in-wheel motor, and the electric prototype has exceeded the target of 300 km on a single charge. Although the car is only tentatively scheduled for 2013, is has some numbers that really do impress.

The Sim Lei electric vehicle has a 0 to 60 MPH time of 4.8 seconds, and a range of 189.5 miles at 62 MPH (305 km at 100 km/h) with a 24.5kwH battery pack. For comparison, that works out to 77watt-hours per kilometer – the Nissan Leaf uses 173 watt-hours per kilometer.

The SIM Lei uses a steel monocoque construction for the body that cuts down on weight substantially. The SIM Lei Electric Vehicle also uses low rolling resistance tires and drag-decreasing aerodynamics.

If SIM can manufacture the vehicle in volumes of 100,000 units, they’re projecting the price tag to be under $25000!

Lei stands for leading efficieny in-wheel motor, and the electric prototype has exceeded the target of 300 km on a single charge.