Europe’s sports car landscape is about to get a fresh jolt of electric energy. A sleek, lightweight, and surprisingly quick electric sports car from China — known as the SC01 — is now confirmed for a limited run in Europe this year. Enthusiasts on the continent are buzzing about this underdog EV whose profile is rising fast despite flying largely under the radar in its home market of China.
Well, that’s because the SC01 isn’t your typical EV hatchback or family crossover. The car wears a compact two-seater with classic sports car proportions. They designed and built it to deliver visceral driving thrills, and with the performance figures to match.
In European trim, it uses a dual-motor setup that delivers approximately 429 horsepower and can sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in about 2.9 seconds. Needless to say, that kind of punch rivals many established mid-engine sportscars and puts the SC01 firmly in the conversation with some seriously fun machines.
A Lancia Stratos for the EV Age?
Image Credit: JustAnotherCarDesigner – Own work, CC0, Wikimedia.
One of the most interesting twists here is how the car blends classic design cues and modern EV performance.
It has a wedge-shaped silhouette that recalls legendary Italian sports cars from the 1970s, which is why some observers, including Motor1, has compared the SC01’s aesthetic to a Lancia Stratos reinterpretation for the EV age. That styling nod and the compact proportions give the SC01 real presence, especially in a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
Under the skin, the SC01’s European version is reportedly set for a local assembly in Italy, though the final plant location has not yet been publicly confirmed. The current plan is to offer just 1,000 units for the European market, which would make the SC01 a limited and exclusive affair rather than a mass-market play. That rarity adds to the car’s allure among collectors and early EV adopters.
From Chinese Startup to Italian Roads
Image Credit: SC01 Dealer.
In its home country, the SC01 was first introduced as the Small Sports Car SC-01 and then later brought to market under the SC01 name in partnership with China’s JMEV unit of Jiangling Motor Corporation. The project even attracted investment from high-profile tech circles, with Xiaomi co-founder involvement helping seed what was originally a small startup effort.
After some production and licensing delays, the car finally began deliveries in China with a modest price tag and has now set its sights on Europe.
Physically, the SC01 is compact. It measures roughly 4.1 meters long, 1.83 meters wide, and about 1.17 meters tall, with a wheelbase around 2.5 meters. These dimensions make it nimble and playful on twisty roads, a welcome trait in a driving environment like the Alps or the Nürburgring region.
Despite the EV powertrain and a 60-kWh battery pack, the car remains relatively light for its class, tipping the scales at just over 2,800 lbs.
Inside, the design philosophy leans toward driver focus rather than gadget overload. Unlike some EVs that prioritize giant infotainment screens and slick digital interiors, the SC01 keeps things simple. There’s a central instrument display for essential data, traditional physical controls, and a cockpit oriented toward engagement rather than pure convenience.
Image Credit: JustAnotherCarDesigner – Own work, CC0, Wikimedia.
Early impressions from enthusiasts who have seen prototype images suggest that this choice resonates with people who miss analog purity in modern electric cars.
Can This Chinese Underdog Win Over Europe?
Image Credit: SC01 Dealer.
Critically, the SC01’s arrival in Europe comes against a backdrop of increasing Chinese presence in the region’s EV market. Over recent years, Chinese EV brands, from volume players like BYD and ZEekr to niche efforts from startups, have been steadily gaining share.
Some analysts point to European buyers warming up to Chinese EVs because of competitive pricing and expanding dealer networks.
Whether the SC01 can carve out a niche among Europe’s purists and EV converts remains to be seen, but the omen looks very convincing.
What is certain is that this car brings something distinctive to the table: a focus on spirited driving wrapped in a form that feels as nostalgic as it is modern. For anyone who believes that electric cars can be more than just efficient transport, the SC01 promises to vindicate you.