Electric cars roll into town
09:19 PM CDT on Thursday, August 31, 2006
By OLGA CAMPOS / KVUE News
It's the latest alternative to gas guzzling vehicles. Electric cars have just rolled into Austin with the first dealership now open.
Geraty describes a futuristic looking lime green vehicle that has the ability to hit speeds of up to 75 mph. It's also classified as a one seater motorcycle and is among the electric powered vehicles now featured at Electric Cars of Austin, the first electric car dealership in town.
Thursday's grand opening at 704 N. Lamar marks the beginning of a new transportation options for motorists.
"Once everybody starts realizing that we're going to need alternative fuel sources, they're going to look at which way to go and electricity is the way to go," said Dilum Chandrasoma, CEO of Electric Cars of Austin.
With speeds of up to 75mph, the M M model has a $25,000 price tag. Most other versions have lower price tags ranging from $65,000 to $15,000. The lower price tags go along with lower speed capabilities of only 35 miles per hour tops!
Texas singer songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker says it's perfect for the trendy downtown lifestyle. "This is more like going to work, running to Whole Foods, back around to your condo, then up to 6th street. We have the weather for it, too" added Walker.
With batteries that last five years, the electric cars also appeal to people who want to reduce air pollution and save at the pump Chandrasoma points out.
"Versus gasoline vehicles that you put in $3 of gas you get maybe 10 15 miles with this you plug in for 50 cents and you get 75 miles," added Chandrasoma.
You'll soon be seeing more electric cars around town in different models and colors. But it's not the color it's the conversion to all electric that's driving consumer interest around town.
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