The concept of vehicles designed expressly for short distance could revolutionize how we get around. Emerging vehicles include both small highway-worthy electric vehicles for one or two people and neighborhood electric vehicles, designed for driving on city streets, corporate parks, and secondary roads and have a top speed of 35 mph. The short-distance vehicle idea took a giant step forward this year when Ford announced the creation of a new brand name, called the TH!NK.

HIGHWAY WORTHY COMMUTERS

	The Corbin Sparrow is a highway-worthy vehicle designed to meet the needs of the single commuter. This three-wheeled vehicle costs approximately a penny per mile to operate, has a range of 60 miles, a speed of 70 mph, and a sticker price of $13,900. Manufactured by CorbinMotors, Hollister, Calif., it is distributed through a network of dealers. www.corbinmotors.com.
	The recently introduced TH!NK City, a two-passenger electric city car, is the flagship vehicle of Ford Motor Company’s TH!NK brand. TH!NK city is a light-weight, plastic- bodied zero emission vehicle designed for customers who commute to and around the city. Ford Motor Company introduced the TH!NK city in Norway in November 1999, with plans to introduce the vehicle in Scandinavia, Europe, and the U.S. within the next few years. North American demonstration programs are slated to begin in 2000. The TH!NK city, which currently runs on nickel cadmium batteries, can go about 50 miles between charges, with a top speed of 55mph. www.thinkmobility.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES
	The TH!NK neighbor is a low-speed vehicle designed for personal mobility for short distances. It will be available in two- and four-seat options. Internet sales with door-to-door deliveries in October 2000. Available at authorized TH!NK dealers, including Ford dealers. Powered by lead acid batteries, with a 30 mile range and a 25 mph top speed. Projected base price is $6000. www.thinkmobility.com.
	Global Electric MotorCars (GEM) manufactures neighborhood electric vehicles in two- and four-passenger configuration. They achieve speeds up to 25 mph and have a 35 mile range. Versatile accessory packs are available to adapt the GEM to a variety of functions. Exceeds National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requirements. www.gemcar.com.
	The Gizmo, a one-passenger, 40 mph, 25 mile range neighborhood electric vehicle is capable of most local trips. A full recharge on a 110 V, 20 amp outlet takes 3 hours. It can carry six bags of groceries, is priced in the $7,000 to $8,000 range, and is great fun and earth friendly! Manufactured and distributed by Neighborhood EV Co. Eugene, Ore. www.nevco.com or 542-687-5939.
	Nissan Hypermini is an ultra-small, two-seat EV powered by lithium-ion batteries. It has zero exhaust and its operation is remarkably quiet. Other eco-friendly features include the use of recycled material to make some of its plastic parts and a lightweight aluminum spaceframe that has excellent recyclability. The Hypermini packs an array of cutting-edge technologies in an ultra-small body, delivering an optimum balance of environmental friendliness and driving pleasure. Sold in Japan only. www.nissan-usa.com.
	The electric TWIKE is a two-seat, discretionary pedal-assist vehicle developed in Europe, where over 400 are on the road. The vehicle has a 336 volt, AC drive system with NiCad batteries. With a top speed of 52 mph, it uses 80 watt-hours per mile and can be recharged in 1 to 2 hours. Electric Vehicles Northwest, Seattle, Wash., is assembling them for the U.S. market. The Twike registers as a motorcycle in the U.S. and costs $18,500. www.electricvehiclesnw.com.
	The ElectriLite by Omni Instruments, Abion, Calif. is an affordable ($3,000) eco-social sustainable, community transportation. The fully-enclosed, two-seater, three-wheeled hybrid vehicle weighs 300 pounds, has a 40 mph top speed, and a 50 mile range. Light weight, human input (aerobic exercise), solar cells, and regenerative braking make this vehicle incredibly efficient.