The Trabant nT (short for "newTrabi") was a modern, all-electric concept car introduced in 2009 as a reimagined successor to the iconic East German Trabant.
Posted by Venkie2Maybach@reddit | WeirdWheels | View on Reddit | 20 comments
While it generated significant buzz for its "retro-modern" design and eco-friendly focus, it never reached series production due to a lack of investment.
Designed by Nils Poschwatta, the nT retained classic Trabant elements like round headlights and broad C-pillars but updated them for a modern aesthetic similar to the Mini Cooper.
The project began with the model car manufacturer Herpa, which bought the Trabant rights in 2007. After a survey showed 93% support for a "new Trabi," they partnered with IndiKar to build a full-scale prototype.
The nT concept was designed to be a simple, practical city vehicle:
Powertrain: A 47 kW (63 hp) asynchronous electric motor.
Performance: A top speed of approximately 130 km/h (81 mph).
Range: Approximately 160 km (100 miles) on a single charge.
Battery: Lithium-ion battery pack with a charging time of about 8 hours on a standard 230V outlet or 2 hours on a 380V/400V system.
Special Feature: A rooftop solar panel (approx. 120W) designed to power the ventilation and auxiliary electronics.
Capacity: Configured as a 4+1 seater (including one child seat
Originally intended for a 2012 production launch with a target price of around €10,000–€15,000, the project stalled when the developers failed to secure a major financial partner.
OrangeJuiceAlibi@reddit
As a city car, 160km on a single charge, for 10€k, is pretty decent. Thinking about it, that’s about a week of daily driving for me on two charges/one recharge plus starting at 100%, and given my general routes don’t exceed 100kmph, this would have been great for me.
The3levated1@reddit
Except that these 10.000€ are marketing bs.
A Mitsubishi iMiev in 2012 was smaller, had the same range and power, no solar roof and started at 30.000€. The first gen Nissan Leaf in 2012 was 37.000€.
10.000€ was the price of a petrol powered Toyota Aygo with AC.
periwinkle_caravan@reddit
Once a person walks onto the dealer lot they lose their mind, go into YOLO mode and want features and financing. Offerings like this will gain traction if and when fleet cars become a thing but my prediction is we will get robotaxis first, at which point the personal vehicle will be for people who live in rural and exurban places only and automobile manufacturing assumes its final form.
homo-penis-erectus@reddit
Tesla quarterly earnings got people talking like
grishnackh@reddit
Why replace the trabant when they already achieved peak automotive perfection with the original?
Leromer@reddit
It’s a tribute, it honors its shape while knowing that such perfection can only be respected and nevermore achieved
Cityplanner1@reddit
I like it!
SjalabaisWoWS@reddit
I remember this one, it's not bad at all. With some polishing, the design is mature enough to work. There'd be a market for these at least in East Germany. Maybe a Chinese manufacturer can pick up the rights?
If you want a Trabbi EV, for now, they're very simple and very expensive. Still only 23 or so horsepower for bureaucratic reasons.
kontemplador@reddit
This is actually a neat idea. Placing solar cells on your car roof may power your ar conditioning even when the car is parked and you will come to a fresher car instead to a oven during these hot summer days.
davus_maximus@reddit
Well I like the cool retro body shell, and the basic Fiat Panda interior, but the spec is wank.
ScriptThat@reddit
It's 2012 specs. I'm sure they could do better if they tried again today.
Viharabiliben@reddit
My father had a Trabant Combi back in the early 60’s. This new version would probably triple the HP.
R32fan@reddit
Damn 3HP!!
michal_hanu_la@reddit
But does it make the terrible sound? And the blue smoke?
(How could they not name it TrabaNT?)
Unlikely-Law-4367@reddit
You can't compare it with western built EV's from that era. But as a simple EV design to go from A to B for a relatively low price, I think it deserved a better chance.
ozbikebuddy@reddit
It actually looks pretty good.
Kinda give the impression of a mini paceman crossed with a Kia Soul.
Tickomatick@reddit
European car manufacturers blew it
sakhabeg@reddit
Looks like a shit replacement for a shit car from the past. For people who just miss Planwirtschaft and Dederon.
15k but comes with a solar roof. I wonder why they could not build it.
Throwaway_idiot99@reddit
I dont like the Interieur. But i like the tacho
Prutzer@reddit
Still more class than a Tesla 😋