Chip EV Unveiled With Self Parking and Grocery Pickup Features, Starts at $15,000
Table of Contents
A new EV startup called Chip Motors has opened preorders for a unique low speed electric vehicle that aims to make short daily trips easier. Instead of focusing on high performance or long highway journeys, the Chip EV is designed for neighbourhood travel, shopping runs, and local commuting.
What makes it stand out is its claimed ability to park itself, drive home, pick up groceries, and even visit a car wash without anyone inside, thanks to an optional remote driving service.
What Is the Chip EV?
Chip Motors describes its new electric vehicle as a mix between a golf cart, a compact SUV, and a personal mobility vehicle. It is built as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), making it suitable for short urban trips instead of long distance driving.
The company says the idea came after noticing more people using golf carts and similar vehicles for daily errands during the COVID period, especially in places like Miami. The goal was to create something that feels more practical than a golf cart while remaining affordable and easy to own.
Self Driving Features Are the Biggest Talking Point
The biggest highlight of the Chip EV is its optional Chip Go service.
According to Chip Motors, this service allows trained remote operators to control the vehicle when nobody is inside. The company claims the vehicle will be able to:
- Park itself
- Drive itself home
- Pick up curbside grocery orders
- Visit a car wash without a driver
It is worth noting that this is not a fully autonomous self driving system. Instead, the service relies on real people remotely operating the vehicle when required.
The company has not yet announced pricing for the Chip Go service.
Performance and Battery
The Chip EV is built for city streets rather than highways.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 25 mph (about 40 km/h) |
| Vehicle Type | Road legal Low Speed Vehicle |
| Maximum Road Speed Limit | Roads up to 35 mph |
| Battery | 15 kWh |
| Claimed Range | Up to 100 miles (around 161 km) |
| Home Charging | Standard household outlet |
| Level 2 Charging | Around 4 hours |
Chip Motors says the battery can fully recharge overnight using a regular household power socket. Using a Level 2 charger reduces charging time to approximately four hours.
A Friendly Design With Plenty of Personality
Instead of using a traditional front grille, the Chip EV features a pixel display across the front.
The display creates animated expressions including:
- Smiling
- Blinking
- Winking
- Sticking out its tongue
- Talking animations
It certainly gives the vehicle more personality than most small electric vehicles currently on sale.
Seating and Customisation Options
Chip Motors will offer two body styles.
The four seat version is closer in size to a golf cart, while the six seat version has a footprint similar to a Mini Cooper.
Both versions are supplied without doors or a roof as standard, although buyers can add those as optional equipment.
Other available accessories include:
- Bike rack
- Surfboard rack
- Off road tyres
- TV and speaker system hidden under the front hood
- Decorative stripes
- Unique graphic decals
- Nine exterior colour choices
Chip EV Price
The company has opened preorders with a fully refundable $250 reservation fee.
Pricing announced so far includes:
| Variant | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Four Seater | $15,000 |
| Six Seater | $18,000 |
Chip Motors has not yet revealed pricing for optional accessories or the Chip Go remote driving service.
Delivery Timeline
Chip Motors says customer deliveries are expected to begin during 2027.
Since the company is still in its early stages, more information regarding final specifications, production plans, and optional features is expected closer to launch.
Final Thoughts
The Chip EV is not trying to replace a traditional family car. Instead, it targets short everyday trips that many people make around their neighbourhood. With a claimed 100 mile range, simple home charging, and unusual features like remote operated grocery pickup, it offers a different approach to urban mobility.
Whether the Chip Go service works as promised will likely be the biggest question when deliveries begin in 2027. If it performs reliably, the Chip EV could become one of the more interesting low speed electric vehicles entering the market.
Sources & References
Official Sources
Chip Motors Official Website
https://chipmotors.com
Official website of Chip Motors with vehicle specifications, pricing, reservations, charging information, and the Chip Go remote driving service.
Chip Motors FAQ
https://chipmotors.com/faq
Official FAQ covering top speed, battery, charging, pricing, Chip Go service, and delivery timeline.
Meet Chip (Official Blog)
https://chipmotors.com/blog/meet-chip
Official announcement from Chip Motors explaining the concept, development, and purpose behind the new Life Utility Vehicle (LUV).
Trusted Automotive Publications
InsideEVs
https://insideevs.com/news/801772/chip-motors-ev-remote-driving-2026/
Detailed first look at the Chip EV, including pricing, range, remote driving technology, and launch plans.
InsideEVs Homepage
https://insideevs.com
One of the most trusted EV news websites in North America covering electric vehicles, charging, technology, and industry news.
Chip EV FAQs
What is the Chip EV?
The Chip EV is a low speed electric vehicle developed by Chip Motors. It is designed for short everyday trips such as shopping, neighbourhood travel, local commuting, and other daily errands instead of long highway journeys.
How much does the Chip EV cost?
The four seat Chip EV starts at $15,000, while the six seat version starts at $18,000. Buyers can reserve one with a fully refundable $250 preorder deposit.
What is the top speed of the Chip EV?
The Chip EV has a claimed top speed of 25 mph, or around 40 km/h. It is classified as a road legal Low Speed Vehicle.
How far can the Chip EV travel on a full charge?
Chip Motors claims the vehicle can deliver up to 100 miles, or approximately 161 km, on a full charge using its 15 kWh battery pack.
Can the Chip EV charge from a normal household outlet?
Yes. The battery can be charged overnight using a standard household power outlet. With a Level 2 charger, the company says charging takes around four hours.
Can the Chip EV really park itself and pick up groceries?
Chip Motors says the optional Chip Go service allows trained remote operators to control the vehicle without anyone inside. According to the company, it can park itself, drive home, collect curbside grocery orders, and even visit a car wash.
Is the Chip EV fully autonomous?
No. The Chip EV is not a fully autonomous vehicle. The Chip Go feature uses remote human operators rather than a completely self driving system.
Where can the Chip EV be driven?
As a Low Speed Vehicle, the Chip EV is intended for roads with speed limits of up to 35 mph. It is designed mainly for neighbourhood and urban travel.
What seating options are available?
Chip Motors will offer both four seat and six seat versions. The four seat model is similar in size to a golf cart, while the six seat model has a footprint close to a Mini Cooper.
What accessories are available for the Chip EV?
Available accessories include a roof, doors, bike rack, surfboard rack, off road tyres, a TV and speaker system under the front hood, decorative stripes, unique decals, and nine exterior colour options.
When will the Chip EV be delivered?
Chip Motors plans to begin customer deliveries in 2027. More information about final specifications and optional features is expected before production begins.
