After years of hype and technological discoveries that make them possible, the electric car is here. Starting in the new year there will be a large number of electric vehicles available from companies that have already built a reputation for being quality vehicle manufacturers. There will also be some offered by lesser known new companies. Believe it or not, it is now possible to list 10 2011 electric cars from which to choose if you wish to be one of those pioneers to try the vehicles first. Here is that list.
The Nissan Leaf is a true 100 percent electric car. Of course, the manufacturer is well known and has built a reputation offering quality, fuel efficient models. Nissan is truly serious about its venture and expects to sell as many as 500,000 electric vehicles a year worldwide. It has invested tons of money in battery manufacturing plants which serves as evidence that it is truly committed. There is already talk that Nissan and its luxury division Infiniti will be offering electric vehicles in all kinds of sizes and shapes. MSRP for the Leaf is $32,780 before the federal government tax credit incentive is taken into account.
Chevrolet has been talking about it for years and Internet geeks have watched its development through so-called unauthorized spy photo leaks. A one time president of General Motors was voicing praise before the auto maker even had a prototype. Now the Chevrolet Volt is here. The car is an electric, but it provides technology that will calm the fears of drivers who experience range anxiety. When the battery is drained of energy, a gas engine kicks in which works a generator that re-energizes the battery. So no worry about getting stuck on the side of the road out of power before you reach your destination. Chevrolet is starting to roll out the car to dealers - so be patient - it is coming to a Chevy dealer near you soon. Initial cost of the vehicle before the tax credit is $41,000.
Traditional companies like Ford will be offering electric cars as a version of models it has been offering that are powered by gas engines. One such model is the Ford Focus Electric which is expected in Ford dealers’ showrooms soon. The car features a 23 kilowatt-hour battery pack which is expected to give it the same range that is experienced by the Leaf. However, it is said that this model is more roomy and features more mainstream looks.
For those of you with large families who want to get in on the electric vehicle craze, you can purchase the Transit Connect Electric minivan. Originally targeted at the commercial market, the vehicle has a range of 80-miles which could interest moms who have to carpool their kids and kids’ friends to soccer, football, baseball or ballet practice.
Mitsubishi recently wowed people who attended auto shows with its new Mitsubishi I-MiEV which has been redesigned for the U.S. market to be more spacious than the version first introduced in Japan. The vehicle is 4-inches wider than the Japanese version and is expected in Mitsubishi showrooms in late 2011. The MSRP is expected to be less than $30,000 before the tax credit incentive. When you apply the tax credit this vehicle could be a real deal.
Honda has developed a great reputation offering fuel efficient reliable cars. Its entry into the electric car market is the Honda Fit EV which is expected to be launched in the U.S. in 2012. The vehicle is expected to have a range of 100-miles but offers three driving modes that can provide better acceleration or longer driving range. It is also expected to have a top speed of 90 mph. The electric motor has been tested in Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel-cell car.
We have been following the exploits of Silicon Valley electric car manufacturer Tesla since the company was formed. It has already introduced a two-seater Roadster which has helped to build an initial reputation for the company. The car is tiny and has a six figure price tag which may turn off most potential car owners, but people with money who want an electric car seem to like it. Look for more mainstream models from the company in the coming years. For example, it has an agreement with Toyota to help build RAV4 electrics.
Fisker is another start-up company that is focusing on the creation of electric cars and that has received modest coverage from the auto media. Its car, called the Karma, has a gas fueled generator to help provide energy to the battery pack. However, it is expensive. Unlike the Tesla Roadster, this car is not tiny and, unlike the Mitsubishi I-MiEV, it is not funny looking. Henrik Fisker created the company. Fisker has loads of experience in the auto industry as a designer. So, the company may be fairly new but its roots go back awhile. In addition, the company has negotiated an agreement with a Finnish company that has built cars for Porsche to manufacture electric vehicles for it.
Up until now, the Nordic countries have been famous for the Volvo and the Saab. Well, there is a new Nordic company in the auto industry that is focusing on electric vehicles and its called Think. In fact, Think has been making electric cars for the Nordic market for awhile. Ford even owned it for a short time. It recently expanded its market to Austria and the Netherlands where it is selling its tiny four seat City electric car. Look for the City to come to the U.S. in 2011.
Global Electric Motorcars a.k.a. GEM is offering electric vehicles that more resemble golf carts than cars but provides easy transportation for people who just want to journey within the neighborhood. It is also used by corporations to travel through their large business properties. The vehicle is cheap with a MSRP of $7,500.