Latest Models
When General Motors unveiled the electric EV-1 in 1996, eager proponents purchased the vehicle in droves. After CARB emissions regulations lessened, however, GM repossessed all EV-1s, hauled them to the desert and crushed them.
Bad idea, GM. Recent electric models sport competitive performance and cost, but with zero emissions and domestic production.
Automotive enthusiasts rave over the sporty Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model S and Lightning GT. The $109,000 Tesla Roadsters blasts from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and looks like an Italian goddess. Due in 2012, the Tesla Model S proffers competitive performance and utility for a price of $49,900 and can drive on a single charge for 300 miles. The up-and-coming Lightning GT expects a 188-mile range, sub 4-second 0-60 sprint and a regulated top speed of 130-mph.
Consumer-oriented EVs are many. With a 100-mile range, the heavily-marketed Nissan Leaf sports regenerative braking and new-fangled lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt travels for 40 miles (the average suburban commuter travels 30-40 miles per day) on pure electric power, then switches to a range-extending gas generator to power the car for several hundred more miles. A small urban car, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is globally offered with an 81-mile range and top speed of 81-mph. Ford has released an electric version of its Ranger, and Toyota-owned Scion has an available Ebox (electric Xb). Other proposed entry-level electric vehicles include the Mini E, BYD E6 (in China), Coda electric sedan (in California) and the French giant Renaults Fluence.