2008 Electric Vehicles Available

A made to order electric car, the eBox is a conventional Scion xB 5-speed that’s been converted to an all-electric vehicle. With a top speed of 95 mph, the eBox offers a range of 120 – 150 miles with acceleration of 0-60 mph in 7 secs. It takes between 2 hours and 5 hours for a full charge. A complete conversion costs $55,000—you supply the Scion xB.

Available in five different models, the IT is a low speed vehicle for use on public roads with 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 a windshield, turn signals, mirrors, wiper blade, head and taillights, and seatbelts.

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.

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.

Check out these zero-emission, freeway-speed fleet vehicles. Phoenix has been producing fully functional electric trucks and SUVs for commercial fleet use since 2001. Based in Ontario, California, Phoenix Motorcars uses the Altairnano lithium titanate battery. They state that it’s a “non-toxic, all-battery solution to eliminate noise and toxic vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.” Phoenix Motorcars is slated to release a consumer version of its electric vehicle in late 2009. By mid 2008, a limited number of vehicles will be available for select consumers in California. More info and an application form is available on Phoenix's website.

Here’s a two-door hatchback that can provide a ride for up to four (2 adults, 2 kids)—and it’s available in over 2000 colors. Driving range is stated to be up to 80 km (about 50 miles) on a single charge, depending on usage. Con: currently available only in Bangalore, India.

An electric car that goes zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds? One that touts a top speed of 125 mph? Yes, this is the company that’s caught everyone’s eye with the Tesla Roadster’s enviro-style. Driving range is between 170 to 267 miles, depending upon driving conditions, with impressive fuel economy numbers: 221 GGE EPA combined. Interested? With the 2008s all reserved, the 2009s are available to interested buyers for a base price of $98,000.

Offering an interesting range of electric vehicles, from off-road 4x4s to scooters, the on-road ZAP vehicles start at $11,200 (Xebra Sedan) and go to $60,000 (for the stylish ZAP-X electric car shown here). The popular 3-wheeled Xebra offers speeds up to 40 mph with seating up to 4 (303 lbs.) and a range of 25 miles (40 km) per charge with standard 110 Volt AC.

The ZENN – Zero Emission No Noise – it’s a sporty NEV that can go up to 25 mph and 35-50 miles on a single charge on roads with limits up to 35 mph. It offers comfort, convenience and utility in an all-electric car that can plug into any standard electrical outlet and charge up in about 4 hours.