The Carver One is one unique vehicle, and here’s a hands-on report on how it feels like to actually drive one.
Its compact design and fuel-efficiency makes the automobile great for a crowded, polluted urban driving environment without sacrificing comfort or control. Featuring a conventional steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake and clutch (it has a five-speed manual transmission), everything in the cockpit-like setting is easily within reach and easily manipulated. The “Dynamic Vehicle Control” (DVC) system uses electronic and hydraulic systems to bank the vehicle through turns making it very maneuverable in tight quarters, although sometimes it seemed a bit preemptive. At 11.2 feet long, 4.3 feet wide and 4.6 feet high, the Carver One has a slim, aggressive profile that can also be easily parked. And, with a top speed of 115 mph (0-60 in 8.2 seconds), it gets you to your destination quickly. Although I was quite comfortable sitting in the driver’s seat, the back seat (optional) is predictably a bit cramped.
You can pick up this Dutch ride in Europe for approximately $44,000. It will take a fair bit of time before it is released in the US partly due to differences in rules and regulations.
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