A lightweight electric sports car from China that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Lancia Stratos is preparing for an international launch. Already on sale in China, Autocar reports that the two-seat SC01 is now set to reach additional markets, including the United Kingdom, with right-hand-drive production scheduled to begin ahead of a planned 2027 arrival.
Developed with an emphasis on driving enjoyment rather than outright technology, the SC01 has also been described by its UK importer as “the car Lotus should have built.” Its creators say the goal was to build an electric sports car that delivers the simplicity, balance, and driver engagement traditionally associated with lightweight British roadsters.
Unlike many modern EVs that prioritize large batteries and luxury features, the SC01 keeps weight under control through a compact design, a minimalist interior, and a bespoke spaceframe chassis. The result is an electric coupe weighing approximately 1,380 kilograms (3,042 pounds), making it one of the lightest performance EVs currently in production.
Its distinctive wedge-shaped styling, short wheelbase, and dramatic proportions inevitably evoke memories of the iconic Lancia Stratos. While it is not intended as a replica, the resemblance has become one of the car’s most talked-about characteristics.
Designed for Driving, Not Just Straight-Line Speed
The SC01 was originally conceived by Chinese enthusiast Feng Xiaotong, founder of Tianjin Gongjiangpai Automobile Technology. His vision was to prove that an electric sports car could prioritize handling and driver involvement instead of simply chasing acceleration figures.
Development later moved under JMEV, and the model is now sold in China as the Yichi 01. For overseas markets, former BMW, Bentley, McLaren, and RML executive Mark Cotton has established The Small Sports Car Company (SSCC) to import and distribute the vehicle.
Cotton believes there is room in the market for a specialist electric sports car that focuses on emotion rather than excessive performance. Initial UK sales targets are modest, with around 160 cars planned during the first year before increasing to approximately 360 annually.
Lightweight Engineering Sets It Apart
The SC01 rides on a dedicated spaceframe chassis rather than adapting an existing sedan platform. Its 60-kWh battery pack is mounted behind the seats instead of beneath the floor, creating weight distribution intended to mimic the feel of a traditional mid-engine sports car.
The battery is also designed to be removable and serviceable rather than acting as a structural part of the chassis. According to its developers, the resulting center of gravity sits even lower than that of a Porsche 911.
Suspension is equally focused on enthusiasts. The coupe features bespoke pushrod suspension with manually adjustable dampers, while drivers can select front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive thanks to its twin-motor layout.
Strong Performance Without the Typical EV Excess
Each electric motor contributes to a combined output of 429 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The company claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 2.9 seconds, placing it firmly in modern supercar territory.
Despite those figures, its creators insist outright acceleration is not the car’s defining characteristic. Instead, they say the SC01 has been engineered to provide steering feel, balance, and driver confidence similar to classic lightweight sports cars.
Range is quoted at 311 miles on China’s CLTC testing cycle. Real-world driving distances under WLTP or EPA testing would almost certainly be lower.
A Refreshingly Simple Interior
Inside, the SC01 deliberately avoids the large touchscreens and digital complexity found in many modern EVs. Drivers get a compact instrument display, physical controls, drive-mode buttons, and even a traditional manual handbrake.
The car also omits advanced driver-assistance systems. SSCC plans to sell it under low-volume vehicle regulations in the UK, allowing it to bypass some of the equipment requirements applied to mass-produced passenger cars.
That philosophy matches the car’s overall mission. Rather than chasing technology trends, the SC01 focuses on minimizing distractions and maximizing driver involvement.
Can It Succeed Outside China?
The SC01 already has one important advantage over several low-volume electric sports cars: it is already in production. That sets it apart from many rivals that remain concepts or are still years away from reaching customers.
UK pricing is expected to start at around £50,000, making it considerably less expensive than many high-performance EVs. Reports also suggest assembly for European markets could take place in Italy to reduce the impact of import tariffs.
Whether buyers embrace an unfamiliar Chinese sports car remains to be seen. If the SC01 delivers on its promise of lightweight handling, mechanical simplicity, and genuine driver engagement, it could become one of the most interesting enthusiast EVs to reach global markets in the coming years.
Would you consider buying a lightweight electric sports car like the SC01, or would you still choose a traditional gasoline-powered coupe? Let us know which you’d park in your garage.