Colibri one-seater receives 700 pre-orders

Over 700 pre-orders have been received for the Innovative Colibri city car.

The Colibri's maker, German manufacturer Innovative Mobility, says that around half of the pre-orders are from private motorists, with the other half coming from business and fleet customers.

The car was first seen at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, and has been designed to appeal to inner-city commuters and businesses. The Colibri has one seat and comes with a 180-litre boot. Its 24kW electric motor has a range of 68 miles, and can power the 440kg Colibri to 62mph in just under ten seconds, and has a claimed top speed of 75mph.

As with other electic vehicles, the Colibri can be charged from a conventional socket, with the battery reaching 80 per cent charge in 20 minutes.

The car is scheduled to reach series production in late 2015, and will cost €8900 with a €55 monthly battery lease. The company has previously said it plans to produce around 17,000 models per year.

Innovative Mobility says it is looking for further investors to help fund the project. Company boss Thomas delos Santos said: "Financing a vehicle project is like playing in the Champions League: even if you have a highly motivated team, it requires you to fight it out to reach the finals."

When it goes on sale, the Colibri will offer competition to the likes of the Smart Fortwo.