DR 1.0 EV: Italy’s 100% Electric City Car with Nearly 300 km

The DR 1.0 EV is a fully electric city car produced by DR Automobiles, designed specifically for urban mobility. With a compact footprint of just 3.20 meters, it still accommodates four seats, making it surprisingly practical for its size. Despite being a small city car, its claimed urban range of 294 km (by WLTP urban cycle) brings it close to the symbolic “300 km” mark, earning it attention as a serious EV for city dwellers.

Powertrain and Performance

The DR 1.0 EV is powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, rated at 45 kW (61 hp) and producing 150 Nm of torque.

The motor drives the rear wheels, which is relatively unusual for a city car, as many small EVs tend to be front-wheel drive.

In terms of performance:

0–50 km/h: ~5 seconds
0–100 km/h: ~17 seconds
Top speed: 120 km/h

These figures show that the DR 1.0 EV is not built for sporty driving, but rather for efficient and practical city travel.

Battery, Range & Efficiency

Battery capacity: 31 kWh
Urban WLTP range: 294 km
Combined WLTP range: 210 km
Energy consumption:
- Urban: 11.12 kWh/100 km
- Combined: 15.6 kWh/100 km

The 294 km urban figure is particularly attractive for city driving, suggesting that for many daily commutes, a single charge could last the entire day.

Charging Capabilities

The DR 1.0 EV supports both AC (slow) and DC (fast) charging:

AC (slow): up to 6.6 kW, taking about 6.5 hours for a full charge (0–100%) or ~3.9 hours for 20–80%.
DC (fast): up to 40 kW, which enables a 20–80% charge in about 35 minutes, or 0–80% in around 50 minutes.

Additionally, the battery is designed to operate in a wide temperature range, from –20°C to +50°C, ensuring usability in various climates.

Dimensions, Weight & Cargo Space

Length / Width / Height: 3,200 mm / 1,670 mm / 1,590 mm
Wheelbase: 2,210 mm
Curb weight: 1,050 kg; Max weight: 1,275 kg
Cargo capacity:
- With rear seats up: 110 liters
- With rear seats folded: up to 630 liters

Despite its small exterior, the DR 1.0 EV offers a very practical cargo space when you fold down the rear seats.

Interior & Technology

The interior of the DR 1.0 EV is modern and well-equipped:

Digital cluster: 3.5-inch LCD behind the steering wheel
Infotainment system: 9.7-inch HD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, and Bluetooth
Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi plus a wireless charging pad for your smartphone
Seats: Fabric upholstery with bicolor stitching, and rear seats that fold to expand cargo capacity

These features make the DR 1.0 EV not just a barebones city car — it’s well-equipped for modern urban living.

Safety Features

The DR 1.0 EV comes with a suite of safety and driver-assist systems:

ABS and ESP electronic stability control
Two front airbags
Automatic high-voltage battery shutdown in case of a collision
Driver fatigue detection system
Acoustic pedestrian alert

Price, Warranty & Practical Benefits

The DR 1.0 EV’s pricing varies depending on incentives: the list price is around €25,900, but effective costs can be lower with bonuses.

According to DR Automobiles, the battery power pack comes with a warranty of 8 years (96 months) or 100,000 km.

One of the big advantages of the DR 1.0 EV is its access to ZTL areas (restricted traffic zones) due to its zero-emission nature, making it ideal for city dwellers.

Pros and Ideal Use Cases

Strengths of the DR 1.0 EV include:

Excellent urban range (294 km) for its battery size — enough for daily city use.
Compact dimensions make it extremely agile and easy to park in tight city spaces.
Fast DC charging is practical for urban drivers who need to top up occasionally.
Four-seat layout is rare in such a small EV, adding versatility for more than just solo commuting.
Modern infotainment and safety features enhance its appeal as a contemporary city car.

Best suited for:

Commuters in large cities who make daily short trips.
Families or individuals needing a very small EV but still wanting four seats.
Drivers who plan to charge at home or use fast public charging for occasional longer trips.
Environmentally conscious buyers who want a zero-emission vehicle without sacrificing practicality.

Considerations & Trade-offs

While the urban range is strong, the combined WLTP range (210 km) is more limited, which could be a limitation for mixed driving (city + highway).
Performance is modest — the 0–100 km/h time of 17 seconds is not suited for sporty driving.
The 6.5-hour AC charging time means home charging will likely happen overnight or during work hours.
As a niche, small EV, it may lack resale demand compared to more mainstream EV brands.
DR is a smaller automaker, which could affect service network coverage depending on region.

Conclusion

The DR 1.0 EV is a compelling fully electric city car that punches above its weight. With around 300 km of urban range, compact dimensions, and a modern, practical interior, it offers a strong package for urban and suburban users. Its efficient battery, fast charging capability, and four-seat layout make it a sensible option for daily commuting, city errands, and occasional longer trips — provided you stay aware of its range limits in non-urban driving.

Overall, for those seeking a practical, green, and affordable EV for city life, the DR 1.0 EV stands out as a smart, purpose-built choice.

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