A new $15,000 electric vehicle, dubbed the "Chip," features an advanced conversational assistant and self-parking capabilities but is limited to low speeds, restricting its use to local roads and neighborhood errands.
The vehicle, developed by Miami-based Chip Motors, is classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), meaning it has a maximum speed of 25 mph and is prohibited from operating on highways and freeways. This limitation makes it suitable for short commutes, school runs, and local errands, but not for the daily highway commutes common in many areas.
Beyond its speed restrictions, the Chip is equipped with high-tech features. Its assistant can provide navigation, stream entertainment, and even manage home functions like turning on air conditioning. The vehicle also offers "Valet Mode," allowing occupants to exit and send the car to find a parking spot, with remote human operators guiding it via onboard cameras and radar when unoccupied.
The Chip offers an estimated 100 miles of driving range and can be charged using either a standard 110-volt household outlet or a faster 240-volt connection. The vehicle's conversational AI can also identify maintenance issues, such as a slow tire leak, and offer to reroute the driver to a charging station, pre-conditioning the battery for optimal charging.
The classification as an LSV could also impact its eligibility for California's new MyFirstEV rebate program. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation establishing the program, which aims to encourage first-time EV purchases by offering financial incentives. However, the program is designed for highway-capable passenger vehicles and trucks, potentially excluding the Chip from this state-funded initiative.
California's MyFirstEV program is set to launch later this summer, coinciding with a slowdown in electric vehicle sales across the U.S. The introduction of vehicles like the Chip, tailored for specific urban or neighborhood use cases, comes as the automotive market navigates evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in electric mobility.