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).

Chevrolet Volt

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Opel/Vauxhall Ampera

Nissan Leaf

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Peugeot iOn

Citroën C-Zero

Tata Vista