(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Aptera and the attempt to create a practical, solar-powered electric car is well known to many. The California-based company has been working on it for two decades – but production has not yet started, and a reliable schedule for when the first customers can actually get behind the wheel is still missing.
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But what if it were different? What if instead you could focus on another innovative, three-wheeled electric vehicle that has been in development for 10 years – also without a fixed production plan? It has neither a steering wheel nor solar panels – instead, you have to pedal for it to move forward at all.
This EV is called Vigoz and is the project of the French start-up Cixi, which has made a name for itself with the chainless pedal system PERS. Development of the two-seater mix between e-bike and EV began in 2015 in Paris. The vehicle is now in the “Design Intent” phase; the production model is expected to visually correspond largely to the current prototype.
Technically, the concept is quite exciting. It is neither a car nor a motorcycle. A 22-kWh battery powers an electric motor on the rear axle – however, the Vigoz is only supposed to move when the driver pedals. Depending on the level of electric assistance, Cixi promises a range of up to 160 km per charge. The vehicle is also intended to be highway-capable; the company states a top speed of 120 km/h. Charging is via a Type 2 AC connector.
The Vigoz is designed as a two-seater. A certified child seat should also fit on the rear seat, as Isofix mounting points are integrated. There is also an open storage space at the back, which can be expanded by folding down the rear body part – then the vehicle becomes a single-seater.
Photo gallery: Cixi Vigoz (2026)
There are two doors, so the driver and passenger can enter on the safer side respectively. When opening the door, the steering unit automatically lowers to facilitate entry.
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The Cixi Vigoz also leans automatically in corners. The start-up promises comfortable driving and very good handling in curves as a result. The chainless PERS pedal system is said to be able to fully control the vehicle’s speed and is also used for reversing.
In terms of dimensions, the current Vigoz version is not exactly small at 350 cm long, 165 cm high, and 154 cm wide. Cixi explains that the final product should be approved for all public roads including highways. The increased height is also intended to ensure that the vehicle is well visible to drivers of larger vehicles.
Three-point seat belts are standard equipment, but there are no airbags or air conditioning. Instead, a set of fans integrated into the seats is supposed to provide cooling on hot summer days. Cixi argues that the seat belts provide sufficient protection – and without a steering wheel, an airbag is difficult to integrate anyway. Depending on the market, drivers will need either a small car driver’s license or a regular car driver’s license plus a light motorcycle license.
When the production vehicle will be ready and how much it will cost is still open. However, Cixi is firm on one point: the Vigoz will not be sold directly but will only be available through – take a deep breath – a subscription model.
Other light electric vehicles:
Dacia Hipster Concept: New budget vehicle with electric drive as a study
Fiat Topolino Corallo: City car now also in coral red
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