Electric Cars

Eclectic Cars?

For a very brief period of time in the mid 1990s US auto manufactures rolled out plug in electric cars. Drivers of those cars gave raving reiviews. So what happened? See the film "Who Killed the Electric Car". A report on the film by Wikipedia.

Who Killed the Electric Car?
A documentary film probing that question and more importantly, why. Written and directed by Chris Paine and released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in 2006.

The good news is that the electric cars have finally reappeared. Bad news is that most are too expensive in my opinion. The affordable models seem appropriate only for urban use where slow speed and short range needs predominate.

Production cars:
High-end electric sports car: Tesla
High-end pocket rocket: Tango T600
Upscale highway 3 wheeler: Myers Motors NmG

2011 Nissan Leaf
2011 Chevrolet Volt
Affordable low speed commuter: Global Electric Motors GEM

Initial Consumer's Report testing questions GM Volt making economic sense according to Detroit News February 28, 2011. Cites high price and mediocre range/fuel mileage.

Best solution may be to convert one, from gas to electric. Amazing photo gallery of 1348 home made electric vehicles by ingenious people at EV Album.

©Jozef Beckley

Electric police van in Switzerland.