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
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Interesting article and hopefully more of these vehicles will be seen on the streets around the world. Over the years I have been monitoring the following product http://www.theaircar.com/ the air car and think that this should be promoted alongside electric vehcicles as a means of modern enviroment friendly transport.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:14 am
Thanks for the link. The Air car looks really interesting. I can’t wait to see one on the streets.
July 18th, 2006 at 6:37 am
London-based electric car retailer GoinGreen has announced the arrival of a high-performance version of the Reva G-Wiz. Known as the G-Wiz AC, it has 50% more mid-range torque than the existing DC, and has improved top speed and range of 45mph and 48 miles respectively.
http://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/2006/july/19/10766.asp
July 19th, 2006 at 11:31 am
How can I get info. on how to buy an electric smart car. Would love to be considered for a portype type test driver. Thanks and please hurry my gus hog is about ready for the car grave yard. It has served it’s purpose. My family had an electric car once that my grand-dad got somehow. Thanks and God Bless, Debra
July 24th, 2006 at 8:22 pm