Is the world yearning for an affordable electric car? Electric vehicle enthusiasts believe so, maintaining that the electric car is the answer if we really desire clean, sustainable mobility. In recent years, low volume electric cars have come and gone amid much controversy and speculation. The problem now, as then, is the battery. Storing the energy needed to propel something as large as a passenger car for any distance requires serious battery power…and despite intensive research and development, a powerful but inexpensive battery does not yet exist.

Until that battery breakthrough comes, there is a class of low speed electric vehicles using conventional, and affordable, lead-acid batteries that can partially fill the void. Here, we present five readily available examples priced for $6,800 to $24,000 US:

1. Dynasty iT

2. GEM

3. Columbia ParCar Summit

4. Miles ZX40

5. ZENN

All are neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs, that operate at low speeds and offer modest performance for shorter missions in an urban environment or neighborhood. That’s precisely the type of driving where a gasoline internal combustion car is least efficient.

These vehicles are electronically limited to a top speed of 40 km/h and are street legal most places, but only on roads that have a posted speed limit of 55 km/h or less. They vary greatly in style and configuration, ranging from open cockpit designs resembling golf carts to diminutive full-bodied city cars. Some can be configured with various cargo box options for commercial use. Although more limiting than full function electric cars, they can cover a lot of ground around town at just pennies per kilometre, with models offering a range of 50-100 km before recharging from a home’s standard 110 volt outlet. Read on to see if one of these vehicles is right for you.

DYNASTY iT

British Columbia based Dynasty Electric Cars produces a line of low speed a line of low speed NEVs that includes the iT Sedan, iT Utility (pickup), iT Tropic (topless, no doors), iT Sport (topless, half-doors), and iT Utility (panel). They are built on a 90-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 140 inches (3.5 metres). Dynasty uses aluminum for the frame structure with an infusion molded fiberglass body and molded plastic bumpers. Electricity is stored in six EV-31 type flooded lead acid batteries, with Deka gel cell batteries optional. When it’s time to plug iT in, an onboard Delta-Q Battery charger tops of the car off in less than 12 hours. Models range from $14,000 to $25,000 US.

GEM

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) is perhaps the best established NEV manufacturer because of its distinction as a Chrysler company. The company’s lineup includes a basic two passenger e2 GEM along with a four passenger e4, six passenger e6, and three utility variants with truck beds. While the basic configuration is an open design, optional canvas or hard doors make the vehicle functional in foul weather. The GEM is powered by a 5 horsepower (12 hp peak) DC motor with a 7 horsepower performance package optional on the e2 and e4, and standard on the e6. With a long list of optional equipment, the GEM can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications. GEMs are available from $6,795 to $12,495 US.

COLUMBIA PARCAR

Available in two and four passenger configurations and as a utility model with a stake bed, the Columbia ParCar Summit NEV is a highly adaptable platform. Summit’s powder coated, high strength alloy tubular steel frame, independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, and open-air design promises fun low speed mobility. Designed for work, the Mega is a versatile cab-chassis NEV that can be configured in a variety of ways ranging from a pickup bed with fold down sides to a dump bed, van box, and even a refuse container for garbage removal. With a gross weight rating of 2,469 pounds, the Mega can make short work of urban work tasks. Summit NEVs are $9,497-$10,857, with Mega NEV models ranging from $17,900-$23,770 US.

MILES ZX40

Miles Electric Vehicles offers the four door ZX40 in three different models. The base ZX40 is propelled by a 4 kW (9 kW peak) DC electric motor, while the ZX40S has a more powerful 6.3 kW (17.6 kW peak) DC motor. For maximum performance, the Miles ZX40S Advanced Design offers a 7.5 kW (26 kW peak) brushless AC induction motor. Absorbed glass mat sealed lead acid batteries are utilized to store electricity. The tall four door wagon seats four and offers 41 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded. Standard features include front and rear defroster, windshield wipers, electric mirrors, and alloy wheels. An AM/FM/CD sound system is optional. Cost is $14,900-$18,900 US.

ZENN

ZENN Motor Company calls its attractive three door hatchback, the ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise), “the earth’s favorite car.” This electric car is sourced as a “glider” – a rolling vehicle without a powertrain – from Microcar of Europe. ZENN creates its zero emission NEV by fitting it with electric drive components and batteries. The ZENN features an automotive style alloy space frame and resilient ABS body panels. Standard four-wheel discs are accompanied by regenerative braking, a feature that recaptures energy to help recharge the batteries. Drivers get a very functional two seat hatchback that offers 13 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. ZENNs are available for $14,700-$15,575 US.

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