The new Baltazar Sapienza EV
Following the trends in the auto industry and the need to seek a more sustainable future, Baltazar Automóveis is introducing its first electric vehicle, the Sapienza. It brings all the typical Baltazar qualities of strong engineering, with good comfort and fun to drive behaviours, in an affordable package.
To achieve this, the Baltazar group developed an entirely new platform, dubbed EVP-1, to be used in all new Baltazar and Bonham electric models. The platform, made from 3rd gen advanced high strength steel, comprises the entire underfloor of the car, with the battery cells sitting between the axles, as part of the floor structure, helping with crash resistance and torsional rigidity. The front and rear structures, including key crash structures will be shared between all models, which will help streamline development of future models and allowing the company to focus on ever-greater features for the customers. The platform will allow both RWD and AWD propulsion, with a base electric motor on the rear axle being complemented by up to two electric motors on the front axle. The rear suspension package is comprised of a multilink set-up, with the motor nestled between the wheels, and will be used by all models underpinned by this platform. The front suspension is a double wishbone format and is designed to house one or two electric motors, depending on the model.
On this first Sapienza model, from launch only the RWD model will be available, in two models, both with a single rear motor and RWD. 60 models get a 60 kWh battery and 95 models get a 95 kWh battery, good for 350 and 520 km of range, respectively. Both models feature a brushless AC motor, with an output of 160 kW (215 hp), allowing the 1650 kg Sapienza 95 to go from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h. Future cars with more powerful drivetrains and sportier set-ups will be available during the model cycle.
Inside, the car features a new interior concept to Baltazar, with new sustainable upholsteries, with seats and padded areas available in cloth, supersuede or wool. All models get the new generation of in-car infotainment, featuring a 10.1" drivers display and a 12" central display, with the new Baltazar assistant, capable of controlling car functions and even certain queries, such as weather, traffic, estimated arrival time and estimated remaining battery range at arrival, through speech alone.
The new Sapienza will cost from just $32,000, in the USA, and €39,700, in Germany, for the base 60 model. 95 models will cost an extra $5,000/€5,500. Sales in Europe and the USA will start in September, whereas Chinese dealerships will start getting the model in October. Global production of the car will be concentrated in Baltazar’s Hangzou factory, in China.
