Skip to main content

This bonkers three-wheeled EV wants to outpace the Polaris Slingshot

Girfalco Azkarra
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A startup company from Quebec is preparing an electric three-wheeler developed with an unabashed focus on performance — and we can’t wait to give it a test drive.

Dubbed Azkarra, the first model from Girfalco takes the form of a three-wheeler similar in concept to the head-turning Polaris Slingshot. The final design is still under wraps, but a dark teaser image published by the Canadian firm suggest the Azkarra features a wedge-shaped open-top body with a low front end, pronounced front fenders, and an integrated roll bar.

Unlike the Slingshot, the Azkarra will exclusively be offered with a battery-electric drivetrain. In its most basic configuration it’s equipped with a single electric motor that zaps the lone rear wheel. Buyers who want more power and more grip will be asked to step up to the S model, which adds torque vectoring and a three-motor all-wheel drive system. Girfalco boldly promises the Azkarra S will be the quickest model in its category, and capable of keeping up with more expensive four-wheeled cars.

The Azkarra isn’t a stripped-down, track-only machine that’s uncomfortable to drive out on the open road. The list of standard features includes a pair of bucket seats, a stereo system with Kenwood speakers, two USB ports, AUX inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Additionally, nearly every aspect of the roadster can be customized during the production process. Enthusiasts can select unique paint jobs inspired by the flags of different nations, contrast stitching in the cabin, a suede-upholstered steering wheel, as well as many different alloy wheel designs.

Girfalco is putting the final touches on the Azkarra. We’ll find out more details about the innovative vehicle — including what it’s powered by and whether or not it will be sold in the United States — when it makes its full debut next week.

Editors' Recommendations

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Mercedes-Benz G580 first drive: old-school off-roader goes electric
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

American car buyers mostly know Mercedes-Benz as a luxury brand. But for decades, the automaker has also produced the tough, rugged G-Class (also known as the Geländewagen or G-Wagen), an SUV not afraid to get its leather upholstery muddy. And now, this iconic Mercedes is going electric.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology — the final name of the SUV previously known as the EQG — isn’t the first electric off-roader. The Rivian R1S and R1T and GMC Hummer EV have proven that electric powertrains and off-roading are a great combination. But the electric G-Wagen is different because it’s based on an internal-combustion model — and a very traditional one at that.

Read more
Honda believes hydrogen semi trucks will make the case for fuel cells
Honda hydrogen fuel-cell semi truck.

Honda remains committed to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, but the market for those vehicles remains limited. So Honda is looking at other uses for fuel cells -- including commercial trucks.

To show how that could work, Honda converted a semi truck to fuel-cell power, replacing its diesel engine with three fuel-cell modules. Together, the three modules produce a combined 321 horsepower, and can propel the truck to a top speed of 70 mph. There's enough onboard hydrogen storage capacity for a 400-mile range with a full load, Honda claims.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz G580 vs Rivian R2: Is the much cheaper Rivian actually better?
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off of the new "Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology." Yeah, it's a mouthful, but it's basically a new electric G-Wagon. It looks a lot like the G-Wagon you know and love, but with an electric powertrain and a battery. It's not the only electric SUV out there, however, and there are some great ones -- like the Rivian R2.

Both the Mercedes G580 and the Rivian R2 have a lot going for them, but they also approach the electric SUV slightly differently. Is one better than the other? I put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The approach that the two vehicles take to design is quite different -- and you might like one better than the other.

Read more