Vanderhall Santarosa Launch Edition: Electric, Exclusive

Monterey’s sun warmed the paddock, and there it was: a three-wheeled coup that looks like it drove out of a concept sketch and straight into a collector’s garage. Vanderhall chose a high-profile stage for a reason. This Santarosa isn’t just another EV; it’s a carefully sized statement aimed at buyers who want something rare and characterful.

Only 50 numbered examples will be built.

Under the skin and why it matters

Built on a stiff aluminum monocoque, the Santarosa swaps the company’s gasoline roots for an electric heart. Two electric motors sit up front, pushing the front wheels with a combined output of 180 horsepower and 292 newton-meters of torque. Short bursts feel eager. The chassis is light, and that changes the entire driving equation—agility replaces brute force.

Range is a headline figure with two choices. The standard 40 kWh lithium-ion pack is tuned for roughly 240 kilometers of real-world driving. Want to stretch that? There’s an optional larger battery that claims up to 480 kilometers. Weight remains impressively low for an EV trike, with dry mass reported between 700 and 792 kilograms depending on configuration. Aluminum double-wishbone suspension up front, 19-inch alloy wheels with wide tires, and regenerative braking finish the mechanical picture.

The Launch Edition shown in Monterey leans into exclusivity. Carbon-fiber trim items that won’t appear on the standard Santarosa add visual drama and a sense of rarity targeted at collectors who frequent Pebble Beach and similar events. Vanderhall paired this reveal with its off-road Bowler-inspired model to underline the brand’s broadened focus.

• Powertrain: Two front electric motors, 180 hp, 292 Nm
• Battery: 40 kWh standard (≈240 km); optional larger pack (≈480 km)
• Weight: 700–792 kg dry
• Suspension and wheels: Aluminum double-wishbone front, 19-inch alloys
• Production: 50 numbered Launch Edition units

Pricing positions the Santarosa Launch Edition as an upscale halo. The base price is about €50,550, reflecting its low-volume, collectible intent and premium materials.

How will Vanderhall distribute these cars? The reservation and allocation process is staged. First dibs go to prior registrants, then to the authorized dealer network. Any remaining cars will open to general buyers. Deliveries of this exclusive batch are slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, with the regular Santarosa expected to follow as a broader production model slated for 2027.

This trike isn’t for everyone. It’s light, playful, and deliberately niche. But for drivers who want something that reads as much like a piece of automotive theater as transport, the Santarosa Launch Edition delivers on personality and purpose. You won’t mistake it for a conventional EV, and that is exactly the point.