Small Electric Cars Coming to U.S.
US News & World Report
Posted: Mar. 24, 2008
The following article was also posted online at www.leasetrader.com.
The Detroit Free Press reports, “The electric car has risen again. Within four years, at least two Japanese automakers plan to have all-electric cars on American roads,” and “several other automakers from around the world…are mulling similar vehicles.” Many of the new electric cars are small, and travel “probably no more than 90 miles without recharging.” These vehicles re-imagine how Americans might use cars – they are intended for use in congested, urban areas, for short drives only. “But with better battery technology, tougher environmental laws and growing demand for oil-free forms of transportation, auto executives say there's a niche for electric cars to thrive.”
The New York Auto Show, which opened to the public this week, hosts three electric vehicles.
Business Week reports, “Subaru of America Inc. showed off the automaker's R1e electric car Thursday, saying it's fun to drive while also being easy to charge and emissions free.” The tiny R1e “has a range of 50 miles and can post a top speed of 65 mph.”
Nissan’s all-electric Denki Cube is a new version of a vehicle that has been sold in Asia for several years. Technology News Daily says the Denki Cube “serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.” Wired says, however, that the electric Denki Cube “brings some well-considered technology of its own.” CNET offers photos.
Mitsubishi, meanwhile, “is testing U.S. reaction to its all-electric iMiEV,” according to Kentucky’s Courier-Journal. The iMiEV is “a four-door car [that] can run for 80 miles on a full charge.” Mitsubishi managing director for product development, Tetsuro Aikawa, said the automaker “will consider bringing the car to the United States or Europe after 2010 if there is enough demand.”
With gas prices rapidly approaching $4 a gallon, interest in electric cars seems to be growing. Many mainstream manufacturers are developing electrics, exotic electric sports cars have begun to make the rounds of the auto show circuit, and even luxury makes like BMW are investigating the technology.
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This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com