Electric Car Revolution

Ever since the Prius became a household name, hybrid and electric vehicles have been making waves.  There are a wide variety of electric car start-ups popping up all over the place.  Of course, we've got Tesla Motors.  But what else are all you Huddlers hearing about?

• Tesla Motors: Tesla's first release is a sexy roadster that is changing the image of the all-electric vehicle.   Keep an eye on this company for future development of more affordable all-electric sedans.

• American Electric Vehicle: Their Kurrent is what they call a neighborhood vehicle.  Sure, you won't sail down the interstate at alarming rates but it can definitely get you to the grocery store in a fun, eco-conscious way.

• Commuter Cars: You may have seen the pictures of George Clooney standing outside of a Tango, but did you know that  you can park the Tango perpendicular to the curb?

• ElBil Norge: The Kewet Buddy is a three-seater that comes to you from Norway.  Who could say no to a car that has a cargo space that was "designed around two cases of beer – or 6-8 bags of groceries"?

• Fly Bo: Manufactured in China, the 6000/2 looks similar to a Smart Car.  It is available in the United States.

• Global Electric Motorcars: GEM offers another option for neighborhood electric vehicles (low-speed).

• Modec: Modec offers an electric van for commercial purposes.  It can carry up to two tons, travel 100 miles, and go 50 MPH.
  

• Myers Motors: Calling their cars NMG (No More Gas), Myers  says one of its benefits is that you'll get more attention than if you drive a $100k sports car.

• Reva: Although the Revai isn't available in the United States yet, this India-based company  has been producing all-electric vehicles since 2001.

• Venturi: Can you believe that the Venturi Fetish costs even more than the Tesla?  Well, that's right.  Going for about $435k, the Fetish is an all-electric vehicle that will soon be joined by Venturi's new models (the Eclectic and the Astrolab).

• Zap! Electric Cars: Zap! makes six electric cars and a few different electric scooters.   Some are their vehicles are still in development but their all-electric Xebra sedan is available now.

• Zenn Motors:  With a tag line of "Zero Emissions, No Noise," Zenn  falls in the category of low-speed, short range electric vehicles.

• Lightning Car Company: Here you have the UK's answer to the Tesla.  The all-electric Lighting GT should be released sometime during the first half of 2008.

• Spark Electric Vehicles: Spark EV distributes several different EVs (mostly made in China), including Fly Bo's 6000/2.  But Spark does have the Comet, designed and manufactured entirely by them.

• Think: Another Norweigian company, Think produces the all-electric City.  Keep an eye out for this one to be released in 2008 in Europe and maybe in 2009 in the United States.

• Phoenix Motorcars: You may have  noticed the mention of Phoenix Motorcars in the forums, and if you're looking for an electric sport utility truck or SUV, they might be for you.

• Moteur Developpment International: The vehicle from MDI doesn't really fall into the whole electric or hybrid category.  Why not?  Well, because it runs entirely on compressed air.

• Porteon:  Apparently this Portland based company has signed a deal with a developer in Mexico to bundle the sale of its vehicles with homes.

• Universal Electric Vehicles: UEV 's Spyder is a two-passenger electric vehicle.  It's COM-V3 is a three-wheel electric vehicle designed for the commuter.

• Aptera: Aptera's vehicles look like something from a futuristic movie but they're not that far off.  Aptera plans to release its Typ-1 in late 2008.
  

• Obvio:  Obvio's 828e electric car is sold by Zap! in the United States.  The company's 012 model is available with an electric plugin.

• Fisker Automotive:  Fisker's Karma  isn't an all electric vehicle (it's a hybrid).  But it's going to compete with the Tesla Roadster for attention.

• Venture Vehicles: Venture offers three different configurations of its VentureOne vehicle.  While definitely not the most traditional looking mode of transportation, it's a lot more than a glorified motor-scooter.  Go to the company's website and check out the videos.  They're pretty crazy.

• Miles Electric Vehicles: Miles EV currently offers a low speed electric car and a low speed electric truck.  However, soon a highway speed sedan will be added to their line up.
  

• NICE Car Company: Based in London, NICE offers an electric car, an electric truck, and electric bikes.

• AC Propulsion: This company can boast that it makes the fastest electric car in the world.  It's tzero has been turning heads at Forbes.  Unfortunately it's not for sale - it's just to demonstrate that electric cars can be fast and efficient.

• Mitsubishi i MiEV: Most folks have heard of Mitsubishi.  And yes, it doesn't exactly fit in the rest of the small electric car start-ups.  But if you haven't checked out the i MiEV, you should.  AutoblogGreen calls it "one of the most exciting pure-electric projects discussed by a major automaker."
• Green Vehicles: Their Triac might just be the first highway-speed vehicle on the road in full force.  Test drives should be available in July 2008.