I just stumbled on the web site of Hybrid Technologies, which describes several EV conversions: Smart Car, Chrysler Crossfire, a sports car, and the PT Cruiser. But the site actually has an order form for the Smart Car. Smart Car description: http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/products...?sec=1&id=1 80 mph, 120-mile range. Order form: http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/smartcar_order.php9 $40,000. So is this real? Does it exist? Are they selling it??? Or is this another "some day" company? The order form has a drop-down menu for requested delivery date with options beginning last month (okay, so that suggests they have not updated the drop-down list) which makes me ask if it's available now??? I've called and left a phone message, and I've emailed. (But Tesla took a month or two to reply to my first inquiries.)
I've had my eye on a local (to me) company, Universal Electric Vehicle, at http://www.universalelectricvehicle.com/ The Spyder is the sports car, but they are developing a three wheel commuter car called the COM-V3 that interests me. The idea is to make it less than the $70,000 they are charging for the "standard" Spyder. They started taking orders in December 2006 for the Spyder; I don't know if any are actually on the road yet.
US$40k for an electric smart?!?! and I thought it was expensive in diesel in form in Canada (Cdn$16k without A/C)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fshagan @ Mar 17 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]407436[/snapback]</div> I like it. I'd buy one today (the sports car). It ain't available. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Mar 17 2007, 01:05 PM) [snapback]407502[/snapback]</div> That's not $40K for a Smart. That's $40 for an EV. If it was the first one out I'd buy it. But according to Darell, it's been long promised, and doesn't look like it'll ever happen.
Daniel, Yeah I came across that website too and got all excited for a bit. (excited for others anyway ) I think Darell would say if a "full featured" EV was available wouldn't he? So it's back in MY court now. What's available as far as I'm aware as of 3-17-07 is: Nevs (various kinds) Xebras (sedan and truck) Meyers Motors NMG (actually alittle about my price range BUT mentioned since it's freeway capable)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tracysbeans @ Mar 17 2007, 03:30 PM) [snapback]407577[/snapback]</div> I'd have considered the NMG if it had a safe and guaranteed 40-mile range. But its range is only 20 miles on the freeway and 30 miles at surface-road speeds. That's not enough. And I'd be scared to drive that thing on the freeway. However, it is cute. I actually love the looks of it. That last nail in the coffin is its being a one-seater. Being absolutely unable ever to take a passenger for a ride is a big mark against it. So I'm leaning toward the Xebra. Sean's LRX mod has a 40-mile range, or just under if you push it hard. Too bad I would not be able to take it to Lacey for the alternative fuel fair. But I could carry my street organ (not yet purchased) around in it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Mar 17 2007, 06:41 PM) [snapback]407589[/snapback]</div> Yeah I'm sure most people aren't interested in the NMG because all of the same reasons we have. I think it's still the most unusual looking EV I have seen so far. (unusual in a good way) So if you get an Xebra LRX would you be getting a Sedan or the truck? Your buying an organ Daniel?? (I guess you would need the truck then??)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tracysbeans @ Mar 17 2007, 04:09 PM) [snapback]407608[/snapback]</div> I'd get the truck. I am going to buy a hand-cranked street organ, because I love the music. It plays punched-paper rolls (I think they're actually plastic paper nowadays -- more durable.) It's going to cost me between $5,000 and $6,000 delivered, from Germany by way of England, including half a dozen rolls. I'll be likely to buy more rolls as time goes on. I first saw a similar organ in Revelstoke, B.C. (of all places!) at the Nickelodeon Museum there. I fell in love with it at first voice.
