Electric Cars

This summer will see the release of Who Killed the Electric Car, the story of how the GM EV1 took California by storm before being cruelly killed off.

Thanks to modern battery technology electric cars are now viable alternatives to other city vehicles. The modern EV (electric vehicle) has a range of over 40 miles and top speeds in excess of 70mph.

The film comes at an interesting time in the development of the EV as London, in particular, has become the centre for EVs. The G-wizz is the most popular offering with approximately 500 being driven around central London. The Maranello 04 has been launched this year and provides the first real competition to the G-wizz. An interesting twist on the EV is the Tango EV which is built in Britain but marketed in the USA by Commuter Cars. The Tango EV is extraordinary in that it’s phenomenally quick and seats it’s occupants one in front of the other like a fighter jet. The next EV to cause a stir is the smart EV, an electric version of the popular smart city car that will be launched at this summers British Motorshow.

So is this a new dawn for the electric car or will as the movie suggests the oil companies, motor manufacturers and big businesses conspire to wipe it out yet again.

If London is anything to go by then electric cars are back and they are here to stay.

Times Online article

Disclaimer: the author works for an ad agency that represents smart