Olympian Model 01: Retro-inspired electrification Introducing the Olympian Model 01, a unique electric vehicle that combines modern electrification with a dash of retro style. This one-of-a-kind car pays homage to classic automotive design while offering the benefits of an electric powertrain. The exterior of the Olympian Model 01 features sleek lines and a timeless silhouette. It is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of iconic cars from the past. The attention to detail in the design is evident, with chrome accents and a bold grille that gives the car a standout presence on the road. Underneath its vintage-inspired exterior, the Olympian Model 01 is powered by state-of-the-art electric technology. Its electric motor provides instant torque and a smooth, silent driving experience. With a powerful battery, the Model 01 offers impressive range and can be easily charged at home or at public charging stations. Inside the cabin, the Olympian Model 01 embraces modern comforts and technology. The spacious interior is filled with high-quality materials and luxurious finishes. The integration of the latest infotainment systems and connectivity features ensures that every drive is both enjoyable and connected. Safety is also a top priority in the Olympian Model 01. It is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems to ensure a secure and confident driving experience. Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control help to enhance safety on the road. The Olympian Model 01 is more than just a car; it is a celebration of the past and future of automotive design. With its retro-inspired aesthetics and cutting-edge electric technology, this vehicle offers a unique and thrilling driving experience. Step into the future with the Olympian Model 01.

The advent of electrification of transportation has led to a true Klondike that has introduced us to a multitude of emerging electric vehicle manufacturers in recent years. Olympian Motors is one of them. Based in New York, this company, which appeared in 2021, is described by its leaders as disruptive. They even claim that they will outperform Tesla, Rivian, Ford, and GM by 2030. Quite a statement. The two EVs that they plan to deliver the first production vehicles of this year – a retro-looking sedan and an angular-shaped utility vehicle – seem as eccentric as these claims.

The sedan is called Model 01, an appropriate name for the first product of a new brand. It will have four doors and four seats, and its body will measure 5.0 meters long, like a Tesla Model S. The manufacturer also informs us that its glass roof body will be made of military-grade carbon fiber and titanium. Additionally, it will be built on a UP Super Board “skateboard” chassis developed by the Chinese company U Power Tech.

Featured at the CES in Las Vegas

At the CES show in Las Vegas in January, the founder and CEO of Olympian Motors, Eren Alan Canarslan, and the founder and CEO of U Power Tech, Paul Li, were together to present this platform alongside a prototype of the Olympian Model 01. However, this prototype only had two doors and its overall length was visibly shorter than the promised 5 meters.

This “skateboard” concept is a new trend in the automotive industry. In recent years, various companies, both new and old suppliers, have been developing this type of architecture, which aims to be adaptable to various types of bodies. For a manufacturer, this modular formula implies lower initial investments and simplified production. Bliss, really.

In a prospectus for investors, Olympian claims that this modular formula will allow them to reduce tooling and labor expenses related to production by 80%. It will also enable them to create a vehicle in 60% less time. Olympian also claims that by adopting this formula, the step from design to production, which usually takes 4 years or more, will be reduced to just 8 months, leading to twice as fast production.

At the CES, the CEO of Olympian, an electronics engineer who previously worked for Qualcomm and Ford, announced that the first units of their retro car will be delivered in 2024 to buyers in New York, California, and Florida. He added that Olympian intends to deliver 100,000 EVs by 2027. Olympic hopes, indeed.

Minimalist Interior

While waiting for the appearance of the first four-door production model of the Olympian 01, we know that it will have a 310-horsepower electric motor producing 305 lb-ft of torque to drive the rear wheels. This powertrain will propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds and allow it to reach a top speed of around 260 km/h. Furthermore, its 82 kWh lithium-ion battery will provide an optimal range of 490 km.

Its minimalist interior will be enhanced with exotic wood, steel, cashmere, and silk. In addition, its dashboard will have only a few vintage-looking dials and four tiny toggle switches that could be borrowed from an Austin-Healey 3000!

In a market where the size of touchscreen displays influences the appeal of a vehicle, this choice surprises. The manufacturer is instead focusing on apparent simplicity by claiming that 80% of the controls that would be operated by buttons and switches in a traditional car will be replaced by a combination of a voice control system and a “head-up display”.

The voice control system will notably control infotainment, ventilation, heating and air conditioning, seat adjustment, and lighting. Let’s hope it won’t be subject to the foolish actions sometimes taken by virtual assistants Siri and Alexa…

The order book for the Model 01 has already been open for some time. Olympian offers an inaugural version of its sedan, the Model 01 Founders, starting at $80,000. Interested buyers only need to pay a $500 deposit, a new way of generating assets for startups.

Second EV Coming Soon

Olympian Motors is also preparing a second EV, deliveries of which should begin in the second quarter of this year. It is a small utility vehicle: the Model 84. With a retro-futuristic style, the manufacturer is offering its first 310 units, Limited versions, exclusively to consumers in New York and California for a starting price of $70,000.

It is worth noting that the company founded by Eren Alan Canarslan has nothing to do with Olympian Motors Company, which manufactured automobiles in Pontiac, Michigan, between 1917 and 1921.

Photos: Olympian and Oliver Muoto