Although most American states allow Low Speed Electric Vehicles on their roads, in Canada only British Columbia allows their use on public roads, subject to the same restrictions as other low speed vehicles, such as avoidance of freeways, major bridges, and tunnels, as well as proper lights and signage.
Meanwhile, sales of the Quebec-produced Zenn car are proceeding apace in the United States with 30 dealerships. In October, the first cars rolled off a Chinese assembly line for the American ZAP Company (Zero Air Pollution) which also manufactures electric scooters and battery chargers. Dynasty’s BC-produced IT is gearing up for a market improved by sales tax rebates.
The latest craze in traffic-choked (and tariff regulated) London England, the G-Wiz, although perfect for inner-city use, would fall between the cracks in Canada’s cities, being neither low speed car, high speed car, nor bike. The smartlooking G-Wiz, which retails for about $13,500, fills up for pennies and is allowed into London free of tariffs, tolls and parking fees, calls itself “the nippy electric vehicle.” G-Wiz advertising points out that average speeds in London are ten miles per hour and the speed limit is 30 or 40 mph on most roads. The G-Wiz obtains a speed of 45 mph and a range of up to 48 miles on a single charge. Extra plug in stations are being created around the city. The G-Wiz was designed in California and is manufactured in India.
Competition for the London market is heating up, with the NICE company (No Internal Combustion Engine) telling London-bound commuters that their $21,000 Mega City Car will save $13,000 a year in gas, tolls and parking charges.
Meanwhile, in freeway-riddled Canada, the Future is not quite yet, but as our stories show, it is definitely on the road.
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Electric Car Web Links
http://www.gemcar.com
http://www.langmotors.ca
http://www.itiselectric.com
http://www.evworld.com
[From WS November/December 2007]