Detroit Electric, revived in 2008 by former CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group Albert Lam, has unveiled its first creation, the all-electric SP:01 sports car. It will make its first public outing at the Shanghai motor show.

It's based on the Lotus Elise platform, like the Tesla Roadster. The big difference is that the SP:01 claims to be the fastest pure electric production car so far. 0-100kph takes just 3.7sec — the same as the Tesla Roadster Sport’s — but its top speed is an impressive 250kph, 48.2kph more than its closest relative.

These numbers are courtesy of an air-cooled electric motor that makes 201bhp and 22.95kgm of torque, while the transmission is a four-speed manual that helps improve the SP:01’s performance.

The gearbox is the six-speed unit from the Elise, with fifth and sixth gear blocked off. The electric motor’s instant torque means that swift progress will be made in any gear; using the clutch isn't necessary when stopping or moving off as a result.