This Tiny EV Claims It Can Run Errands While You Relax on the Couch

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-16

Imagine this: you're curled up on the sofa, binge-watching your favorite show, and your car is out picking up groceries. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, a new electric vehicle (EV) startup called Chip Motors just opened presales for a cheerful low-speed vehicle that claims to do exactly that. It's called the Chip, and it's designed to handle small errands autonomously while you kick back at home. ### What Is the Chip EV? The Chip is a compact, low-speed electric vehicle that tops out at around 25 miles per hour. It's not meant for highway cruising—think of it more like a souped-up golf cart with a brain. The company says it can park itself, drive home from a store, and even pick up groceries without you in the driver's seat. For folks in the United States who live in suburban neighborhoods or retirement communities, this could be a game-changer. ### How Does Autonomous Parking Work? One of the standout features is autonomous parking. The Chip uses a suite of sensors and cameras to navigate tight spaces. You pull up to a spot, tap your phone, and the car handles the rest. It can parallel park, back into a spot, or squeeze into a tight garage. For anyone who's ever spent five minutes trying to park at a crowded Target lot, this is a huge relief. ### Can It Really Run Errands Solo? Here's where things get interesting. Chip Motors claims the vehicle can drive itself to a local store, pick up pre-ordered items, and return home. The idea is that you load your shopping list into an app, the car syncs with the store's system, and employees load the bags into the trunk. Then the Chip navigates back to your driveway. Is this practical? Maybe not for every trip, but for routine grocery runs or pharmacy pickups, it could save a ton of time. ### Why Low-Speed Matters Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are a specific category in the U.S. They're limited to 25 mph and are legal on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. That makes them ideal for neighborhoods, college campuses, and gated communities. The Chip fits this niche perfectly. It's small enough to park in tight spots and quiet enough not to disturb the peace. Plus, since it's electric, you're saving on gas and reducing emissions. ### What About Safety? Safety is a big question with any autonomous vehicle. Chip Motors says the Chip includes emergency braking, collision avoidance, and a 360-degree camera system. But let's be real—no system is perfect. The company recommends using the autonomous features only in low-traffic areas and during daylight hours. For now, it's more of a convenience tool than a full replacement for driving. ### Pricing and Availability Presales started this month, with prices starting at $12,000 for the base model. That's about the cost of a used sedan, but remember, this is a niche vehicle. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2025, and the company is focusing on the U.S. market first. If you're interested, you can reserve one with a $100 deposit—fully refundable if you change your mind. ### The Bigger Picture Chip Motors is entering a growing market. Other companies like Arcimoto and Polaris already make LSVs, but none offer this level of autonomy at this price point. If the Chip delivers on its promises, it could change how we think about local transportation. Imagine a fleet of these zipping around your neighborhood, handling errands for everyone. It's a small step toward a more automated future. ### Should You Buy One? That depends on your lifestyle. If you live in a walkable city, you probably don't need it. But if you're in a suburb where the nearest store is a mile away, the Chip could be a fun, practical addition. Just don't expect it to replace your main car—it's too slow for highways. Think of it as a helper, not a hero. ### Final Thoughts The Chip EV is a bold idea wrapped in a cute package. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it could make life a little easier. Whether it actually works as advertised remains to be seen, but we'll be watching closely. For now, grab your popcorn and see if this tiny EV lives up to the hype.