Electric Vehicles (EV)

Many battery-electric vehicles are available to the public in certain parts of the country and to companies and government agencies that operate fleets of vehicles

wpe5.jpg (20753 bytes) The TZERO, being developed by AC Propulsion of San Dimas, Calif., will be available in 2000. It is a purpose-built fiberglass-bodied sports car. This incredibly efficient electric car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, out accelerating many sports cars on the market. AC Propulsion's 165 kW drive-train powers the Tzero and includes a reductive fast charger as part of the system. It has a driving range of 60 miles with lead acid batteries. AC Propulsion also offers the LongRanger hybrid trailer. www.acpropulsion.com.
wpe1D.jpg (18100 bytes) The 2000 EPIC electric minivan, developed by DaimlerChrysler, is being marketed to commercial customers in California and New York. The Dodge Caravan EPIC is equipped with liquid-cooled nickel-metal hydride batteries that have fast-charge capability, so fleet customers can be back on the road in less than 30 minutes. The EPIC took first place for Customer Acceptability at the 1999 NESEA American Tour de Sol.
wpe1E.jpg (6178 bytes) The Ford Ranger EV is being marketed to fleets and the general public through selected Ford dealers. It is available in lead acid or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) advanced batteries and is equipped with third-generation, electric vehicle-specific powertrain components and electronics. Lead Acid Ranger EVs have a range of about 50 miles, and NiMH Rangers can go about 80 miles before a recharge. They both can accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in 12.5 seconds.
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GM EV1 continues to achieve market success in California and Arizona with its second-generation (Gen II) EV1. This all-electric two-seat sports car uses GM Ovonic nickel-metal hydride batteries for an advertised range of 120 miles between charges.   The General Motors Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) group introduced the S-10 Electric Pickup along with EV1 electric car and is also managing the development of the Alternative Fuels Program in support of Fleet and Commercial Operations.
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The Altra EV is being leased by Nissan in California to selected fleet customers. The stylish four-passenger minivan is the first production EV in the United States to use lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. The lightweight, energy-efficient Li-ion batteries provide the Altra EV with a useful driving range of 80 to 100 miles. www.nissan-usa.com
 

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The Solectria Force, a four-door electric sedan using a Geo Metro body, is among America’s most popular electric vehicles, with over 350 in service. Range is 40 to 45 miles per charge with standard lead acid batteries and 85 to 100 miles with advanced batteries. Options include cabin preheat and a fuel-fired heater for supplemental cabin warmth. Vehicle sales are handled by Solectria Corporation, Wilmington, Mass. www.solectria.com or 978-658-2231
 

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 The RAV4-EV, the only electric sport utility vehicle on the market, is being leased through Toyota’s corporate headquarters in Torrance, Calif. Over 684 have been sold nationwide in the past two years, making Toyota the first manufacturer to meet its requirements under the Memorandum of Agreement with the California Air Resources Board.