Carice TC2 Is a Retro-Inspired Electric Roadster That Promises a Joyful Driving Experience

However, electric vehicles have often been perceived as bulky, unexciting machines that are also too expensive to tempt drivers away from traditional gas and diesel vehicles. Not to mention, they are said to lack the iconic feel and thrill offered by ICE sports cars. Carice, a Netherlands-based EV manufacturer, has set its mind on busting all these preconceptions with an extremely lightweight, dynamic, and nimble all-electric two-seater convertible.

Dubbed Carice TC2, the new electric sports car weighs in at just 1,300 pounds (approx. 590 kg), offers a 200-300 km (124-186 mile) range, and is a true game-changer in the realm of electric vehicles. Besides proving that EVs can provide an equally exciting driving experience as their gas-powered counterparts and be eco-conscious at the same time, this electric convertible taps into the power of nostalgia with its retro-inspired design.

But before going into more detail about Carice TC2's design and specs, it's worth mentioning that this is not a restomod or a kit car but a full-fledged electric sports car that has been designed and built from the ground up by the Dutch company.

Though many of you might not have heard about Carice before, this is not a new brand. The company was founded in 2011 as a spinoff from the Delft University of Technology and has been making electric cars in limited numbers on a made-to-order basis. The TC2 two-seater EV is the first model they have put into series production, and it seems the first production batch has already been sold out, with only a few units available from the second batch, which is set to be delivered in a few months.

In stark contrast to the high-tech aesthetics displayed by the majority of the EVs coming to the market, the Carice TC2 offers an intriguing mix of classic aesthetics and modern technology. Its charming, retro-inspired design reminisces of iconic sports cars of a bygone era, such as the classic Porsche 356 Speedster and the Nissan Figaro.

Talking about the compact and sporty convertible, Niels van Dril and Richard Holleman, founders of Carice, say that their aim was to "create art on wheels."

"Elegant, environmentally friendly, agile and handmade. We distilled the car to its purest form, and everything that's in there has been created with love and an eye for detail," they further explain. "It's about feeling the ride in every fiber of your body. We're passionate about creating beautiful cars that make people happy."

In terms of specs, the cute little electric roadster measures 3,500 mm (138 inches) in length, 1,580 mm (62.2 inches) in width, and 1,220 mm (48 inches) in height. Though compact, it is designed to offer a comfortable ride.

The car's body panels are crafted from a proprietary composite material, making it incredibly light at just 1,300 pounds (590 kg), including the battery pack. Due to its lightweight design, the company claims the roadster is exceptionally dynamic and agile. What's more, power consumption is very low.

The company's focus with this car was to provide a joyful driving experience with a low center of gravity and excellent power-to-weight ratio. But don't expect massive amounts of power to wheels. Under the hood of the TC2 lies an electric motor that produces 41 kilowatts (56 hp) and propels the car to an electronically limited top speed of 120 kph (75 mph). No specific acceleration figures have been revealed.

Buyers of this compact sports car can choose between standard and long-range battery packs. The latter option is a powerful 31.5 kWh traction battery that promises an impressive range of 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge. Notably, the fully depleted battery can be recharged from 0 to 80% in just 2.7 hours using the car's Type 2 port. If you've been looking at the pictures and noticed there is no charging flap in sight, it's because the cable socket is actually located in the truck.

Another highlight of the Carice TC2 is its sleek interior with vegan leather upholstery, a brushed-stainless-steel dashboard, and an elegant steering wheel crafted from hardwood. There are no modern displays or gizmos included. The company wanted to keep the classy style intact, so it ditched the fancy screens in favor of toggle switches and lights, keeping the necessary controls within reach.

The door cards have discreet pockets for a bit of storage space, while the fabric roof neatly stows away behind the roll bar when you want to feel the wind in your hair.

There is an acute need for more affordable electric vehicles to drive EV adoption up, but premium models still dominate the market, with plenty of expensive EVs still being launched. Carice is throwing its hat in the ring with the €44,500 (or $49,200) TC2 electric roadster - a figure that positions it below the average cost to buy an electric car today.

Customers can customize the TC2 to fit their style, with a wide range of colors available for the bodywork, upholstery, and soft top. They can also choose between two battery packs and personalize it with various accessories.