DR 1.0 Electric: Everything You Need to Know About Italy’s

The DR 1.0 EV is the 100% electric city car from the Italian brand DR Automobiles, designed to redefine urban mobility. Measuring just 3.2 meters in length, it manages to accommodate four passengers while offering sufficient range for daily city driving. According to Quotidiano Motori, the DR 1.0 is a pivotal model: the smallest in DR’s lineup and among its first fully electric vehicles.

With compact dimensions, modern styling, and an electric powertrain, the DR 1.0 EV targets urban drivers who need practicality, efficiency, and zero-emission mobility.

Price and Incentives

The list price for the DR 1.0 EV is around €25,900 for the full-featured model, but at launch, promotional pricing reduced it to €24,900.

Thanks to government incentives, the final purchase price can drop significantly:

€21,900 without vehicle trade-in
€19,900 with trade-in, plus possible regional incentives

These incentives make the DR 1.0 EV highly competitive in the city car segment, especially for Italian urban commuters looking for an affordable electric solution.

Motor, Battery, and Performance

Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 45 kW (61 hp) and 150 Nm of torque.
Battery: 31 kWh lithium-ion pack, providing a city range of 294 km and a combined range of 210 km under WLTP testing cycles.
Top speed: 120 km/h (suitable for city and suburban roads).
Acceleration: 0–50 km/h in 5 seconds, 0–100 km/h in 17 seconds.

The DR 1.0 EV is designed for city driving rather than highway performance, prioritizing efficiency and maneuverability over speed.

Energy Consumption and Charging

Energy consumption:
- Urban: 11.12 kWh/100 km
- Combined: 15.6 kWh/100 km
Emissions: 0 g/km CO₂
Charging capabilities:
- AC (slow) charging: up to 6.6 kW
- DC (fast) charging: up to 40 kW, achieving 20–80% in approximately 35 minutes, and 0–80% in 50 minutes

The vehicle is designed to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from –20°C to +50°C, making it suitable for year-round urban use.

Dimensions and Cargo Capacity

Length: 3,200 mm
Width: 1,670 mm
Height: 1,590 mm
Wheelbase: 2,210 mm
Curb weight: 1,050 kg; gross vehicle weight: 1,275 kg
Trunk space: 110 liters with seats up, expandable to 630 liters with rear seats folded

Despite its compact size, the DR 1.0 EV provides four seats and flexible cargo space, making it practical for city errands and small shopping trips.

Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes

Suspension: Front MacPherson independent, rear multi-link
Brakes: Ventilated discs at the front, solid discs at the rear
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, an unusual choice for a compact EV but helping with weight distribution and handling

The combination of suspension design and lightweight construction ensures comfortable urban driving, even over uneven city streets.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

Seating: Four passengers, maximizing space within a compact footprint
Dashboard: Digital instrument cluster (3.5 inches) plus 9.7-inch HD touchscreen
Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and built-in Wi-Fi
Wireless charging: Smartphone charging pad included
Rear seats: Foldable for expanded cargo space
Safety features:
- ABS, ESP
- Dual front airbags
- Automatic battery shutdown in case of collision
- Driver fatigue detection system
- Pedestrian alert system

The DR 1.0 EV combines practicality with technology, offering convenience and safety in a compact electric vehicle.

Warranty

Vehicle warranty: 5 years or 100,000 km
Battery warranty: 8 years or 100,000 km

These warranties provide peace of mind for urban drivers adopting their first electric vehicle.

Safety and Urban Use

Designed primarily for city use, the DR 1.0 EV’s compact size makes it ideal for tight urban spaces, parking in congested areas, and navigating low-emission zones. Its fast DC charging and small footprint allow for quick top-ups during short breaks.

The safety features and robust battery management system ensure that the vehicle is reliable and safe for city commuting.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

Compact size for urban maneuverability
City range of 294 km is sufficient for daily use
Fast DC charging in 35–50 minutes
Competitive price when incentives are applied
Four-seat configuration, unusual in ultra-compact EVs

Disadvantages:

Limited combined (highway) range of 210 km
Modest power and acceleration, not suitable for sporty driving
Slow AC charging can take hours for a full charge
Lesser-known brand may affect resale value and buyer confidence

Quotidiano Motori Opinion

According to Quotidiano Motori, the DR 1.0 EV is a significant step for the Italian EV market: compact, affordable with incentives, and well-equipped for urban mobility.

The article also highlights the car’s youthful styling, available colors, and modern tech features like the touchscreen and wireless charging, making it appealing to young city dwellers or first-time EV buyers.

Conclusion

The DR 1.0 EV is a well-designed electric city car suitable for urban commuting. Its compact dimensions, sufficient city range, and competitive price make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.

While it has some limitations, such as lower combined range and modest power, it offers a practical, tech-forward, and affordable solution for urban mobility. For those looking for a small, fully electric, four-seat vehicle, the DR 1.0 EV represents a compelling choice.

In summary, the DR 1.0 EV combines affordability, efficiency, and practicality, providing a complete urban mobility solution for Italy’s city drivers and EV enthusiasts alike.

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