Miami-based startup Chip Motors has officially revealed its first vehicle, an all-electric “Life Utility Vehicle” (LUV) designed for everyday local trips rather than highway travel. Positioned as a right-sized alternative to oversized SUVs for school runs, grocery trips, beach outings, and neighborhood errands, the Chip starts at an estimated $15,000 for the four-seater and $18,000 for the six-seater version.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027. A refundable $250 order fee currently secures a reservation through the company’s configurator.
Key Specifications
The Chip is engineered strictly for roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Core numbers include:
- Top speed: 25 mph
- Range: Up to 100+ miles per charge
- Battery: LFP (lithium iron phosphate) pack
- Charging: Native NACS port; supports standard 110V wall outlets or faster Level 2 (240V) charging that roughly halves the time
- Seating: Four- or six-passenger configurations
- Dimensions: Approximately 13.6 feet long and 75.6 inches wide
The vehicle can be cleaned with a hose both inside and out thanks to its durable, washable interior and plastic composite body panels. Multiple cameras and radar systems monitor traffic conditions, while a portrait-oriented centre screen handles controls and information.
Chip Go Remote Driving Service
One of the standout features is Chip Go, a remote-driving service that lets a trained human operator take control of the vehicle when the owner is not inside. Use cases include:
- Parking the vehicle after drop-off and returning it on demand
- Running errands or collecting curbside pickups
- Sending the Chip home or to a car wash
- Future expansion toward Level 4 autonomy so the vehicle can operate independently
Owners can hop out at their destination, let Chip handle parking or other tasks, and summon it later. The service is designed to eliminate circling parking lots and waiting in car lines for short local trips.
Design, Customisation, and Practical Features
The Chip arrives topless by default for an open-air experience, with hard or soft top options available. An optional hood/frunk can integrate a TV and speakers, turning the front into a portable entertainment setup for beach or park use.
Buyers can customise colour, seats, roof, doors, and various add-ons through an online configurator. Additional practical touches include LATCH anchors for child seats, built-in navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, optional air conditioning, roof and side racks, and a lift kit.
The design prioritises visibility, low-speed safety, and easy maintenance rather than high performance. It is street-legal for the roads most people use daily and aims to replace heavier vehicles for short trips without the bulk or complexity of a traditional car or SUV.
Pricing and Availability
Estimated starting MSRP is $15,000 for the four-seat model and $18,000 for the six-seat version. The $250 reservation fee is refundable. Production and first customer deliveries are targeted for 2027.
Chip Motors markets the vehicle as a new category—the Life Utility Vehicle—built for the actual daily needs of families and individuals rather than long-distance or high-speed travel. With its combination of low purchase price, simple charging, washable construction, and remote-driving capability, the Chip targets urban and suburban drivers who want convenient local mobility without the cost and size of a conventional EV or gasoline vehicle.
Reservations and the full configurator are available on the official Chip Motors website. Further technical details and regional availability will likely expand as the 2027 launch approaches.
