2008 Electric Vehicles Available

The innovative electric car is here to stay. And really, what’s not to love: Clean, quiet and easy to use, an electric car gets the job done with efficiency and ease. From reduced dependence upon foreign oil to zero emissions and economical cost-of-use, electric cars offer many pros. Currently, one of the biggest cons is limited driving range (and recharge time) -- but those kinks are being worked out as you read this.

Here's what's currently available in electrics for 2008. Please drop us a line if you find more companies that offer clean motoring options, or check out these all-electric conversions.

Aptera

© Aptera

Developed from the get-go as an electric vehicle, the Aptera’s body styling, interior design and engineering all play into maximizing efficiency with the lightweight composite shell. Price for all-electric version: $26,900, and for the plug-in hybrid: $29,900. The Aptera is currently only being sold in California, although plans to expand are in the works. Production is slated for late 2008.

© Keio University

This eight-wheeled wonder is the next generation creation of Keio University and Professor Hiroshi Shimizu. Eliica stands for Electric Lithium-Ion Car and it reached 230 mph (370 kmh) at the Nardo test track, Italy. The goal is to build a limited run of 200 production units and capture the title of being the fastest electric car in the world AND the fastest production car. Seating includes the driver and three passengers, and price will be in the limousine price range. The prototype rang in at $320,000. Full charging time: 10 hours for a range of 124 miles (200 km).

G-Wiz

© GoinGreen, Indo-US Reva Electric Car Company

Manufactured by the Indo-US Reva Electric Car Company, GoinGreen, this is a best-selling EV in the UK. With a new quadricycle safety package, the 4-seater hatchback G-Wiz costs $13,627 to $16,158 (£8,299 to £6,999). Full charging time for the 8 lead acid batteries is 8 hours. In England, there’s tax exemption(s), plus some free parking and charging stations available too. GoinGreen is all about encouraging responsible, affordable green driving, and they sell directly to customers—no dealers, no showrooms, no advertising involved—to maximize savings and minimize added costs. Shop their website to see what’s available—prices are listed for each vehicle.

GEM - Global Electric Motorcars

© Global Electric Motorcars

Available in six different models, GEMs are handy dandy neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) that are street legal in most states and on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Their top speed is 25 mph and they have a range of up to 30 miles per charge and offer a zippy ride to get around industrial or housing complexes or college campuses. List prices start at $6,795.

Kurrent

© American Electric

This 2-passenger NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) is the only model currently available in the US, and is delivered straight to your home since it’s restricted to roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or below. The lead-acid batteries offer a 40-mile range on this 2500 lb. vehicle. Prices start at $9,800 and standard features include doors, a windshield, wipers and roof. Cost to operate: less than 2¢ per mile.

IT - Dynasty Electric Car Corporation

© Dynasty Electric Car Corporation

Available in five different models, the IT is a low speed vehicle for use on public roads with speed limits of less than 35 mph. Choose the Sedan, Utility, Sport, Tropic or Van. With a maximum speed of 25 mph, the vehicles are equipped with a windshield, turn signals, mirrors, wiper blade, head and taillights, and seat belts.

L1X-75 GT from Mullen Motor Company

© Mullen Motor Company

The Mullen L1X-75 GT offers a 100-mile range on a 4 to 6 hour charge. This one is certainly eye-catching—and so is the price at $125,000. This all-electric, 120 mph carbon fiber body car definitely screams sports car. Contact the company directly regarding placing orders.

Miles Automotive - ZX40

© Miles Automotive

Founded in 2004 by Miles Rubin, Miles Automotive is committed to developing all electric vehicles that use no gas and produce zero tailpipe emissions. The vehicles currently available are low speed NEVs, with several models of the ZX40 Car and an extended cab ZX40ST Truck. The XS500 sedan is currently under development and will travel at freeway speeds (topping 80 mph) and will be able to travel 120+ miles on a single charge—to the equivalent cost of about one gallon of gas. Base retail prices start at $14,900 for the ZX40 Car, but this can vary depending upon state incentives or special fleet pricing.

Milner Motors ElectriCar

© Milner Motors

A four-door, four-seater, this plug-in electric car maximizes aerodynamics to make the most of battery power. With a range of 100 miles, capable of speeds up to 85 mph, the batteries can be recharged in 110 or 220-volt outlets. For trips greater than 100 miles, batteries can be charged en route with a small gasoline-powered generator. Not yet available as a production vehicle or in kit form, a drive-able prototype is being used to test handling and practicality.

NmG (No more Gas)- Myers Motors

© Myers Motors

A single seater, this all-electric highway-legal vehicle can travel at speeds to 70+ mph. It offers a 30-mile range, the average amount that half of all drivers travel in an average day. Although the company says that it drives like a "funky car with a low center of gravity," it's actually rated as a three-wheeled motorcycle and insures and parks like one too. Myers Motors calls it a Personal Electric Vehicle. Price: $36,000. According to company spokesperson Kammy Willis, "Myers Motors is using this experience to develop a high production, highway electric vehicle that builds on the success of the NmG. The goal is to design that vehicle for mass production, enabling us to bring the purchase price to a level appealing to more consumers."