Small electric vehicles likely to lead the charge on city streets

[jpak]

http://www.pe.com/localnews/corona/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nev06.1c71e53.html

Cruising Norco at 19 miles per hour, Paul Rodriguez has his foot on the gas, sort of. He's trying to take neighborhood electric vehicles like the one he's driving farther than ever before in Southern California -- in more ways than one.

"I think most folks have in their mind that this can only be used around their neighborhood," said Rodriguez, author of a feasibility study to expand use of the little electric cars written for western Riverside County officials. "We're trying to see where they can be used safely, and let people know."

The plan to reduce air pollution by opening more streets in Norco, Corona, Riverside and Moreno Valley to the little electric cars is meant as a springboard for a larger discussion about neighborhood electric vehicles -- small cars and light trucks larger than golf carts but smaller than compact cars, officials said.

Attempts to improve Southern California's air quality and reduce traffic have planners pushing the vehicles for many trips. They can't replace a family's car, Rodriguez said, but neighborhood electric vehicles might make sense as a second vehicle or for someone who rarely travels outside a five- or 10-mile range.

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[LynneSin]

1. The place where I bought my used Legacy had a Smart Car on the lot.

I'm a big gal and that thing was still very roomy inside. With my life I live and work in the same city plus I have no family so a smart car would be perfect for my lifestyle.

The only reason I didn't consider it was because it was convertible and about $3000 more than I watned to spend (I was buying used).

[MineralMan]

2. 90% of my driving is on city streets, and on trips of less than

5 miles. One of these would be an ideal choice for me and millions of other people who rarely need to drive on the highway. I work at home and use my car pretty much just for trips to whatever retail store I need to visit.

The only real issue here in Minnesota is the need for heat in the winter and the ability to drive on icy streets. I'm not sure these vehicles would work during our 4-5 months of cold weather.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. That's why I am looking forward to the future Subaru hybrid.

[eilen]

4. We are in upstate NY

in the snowbelt. I don't know about using an electric car with the lake effect snow that blows in.

[MineralMan]

5. Yeah, it's a real issue for us northerners.

Still, it's worth considering, even if it means keeping a regular vehicle for winter use. I drive a lot less in the winter, anyhow.

[Kolesar]

7. Electrically-heated seats &window heater grids are a must

That heavy battery would hold the wheels on the road well, though!

[rocktivity]

6. You couldnt get a week's worth of groceries into those things

The city would to better to improve their public transportation.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[msongs]

8. can you carry a week's worth of groceries on the bus? nt

[MineralMan]

9. Depends on the design. There's no reason they can't be designed to

carry groceries. Look at the typical golf cart. It's designed to carry golf bags. For pete's sake, think a little outside the photo of a single vehicle. Electric vehicles can be designed for just about any transportation task.

[eilen]

10. You could using those big reusable shopping bags from

Aldis or our local Wegmans. Three to Four bags should fit. Big items like a large package of paper towels might be a problem but if you are that green, you likely use cloth rags and towels.