A 17bhp electric car designed to offer practical urban transport. The Renault Twizy is fun to drive in town, and gets lots of attention from passers by. The cabin is completely open to the elements, and there’s a distinct shortage of storage space, equipment and security measures. The Twizy has a maximum range of 100 km (62 mi). Prices starting at €6,990 up to €8,490. The heavy quadricycle-classed Urban 80 model features a 13 kW (17 hp) electric motor and can drive up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

Manufacturer: Renault
Transmission: Single gear
Battery: 7 kWh lithium-ion battery
Electric range: 100 km (62 mi)
Length: 2.32 m (91 in)
Width: 1.19 m (47 in)
Height: 1.46 m (57 in)
Curb weight: 450 kg (992 lb)

credit: Patrik Tschudin

The Eliica is a battery electric vehicle concept car first shown in 2004 and designed by a team at Keio University in Tokyo, led by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu. The 17 ft (5.1 m) car runs on a lithium-ion battery and can accelerate from 62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4 seconds. In 2004, the Eliica reached a speed of 230 mph (370 km/h) on high speed track. The Eliica weighs in at 5,300 lb (2,400 kg) and seats the driver and three passengers. The projected price was about $255,000 USD.

The government has launched state grants aimed at encouraging motorists to buy environmentally-friendly electric cars. Transport Secretary said nine different electric car models would be eligible for a grant of up to 5,000 pounds ( 7,930 dollars).

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