Electric Car Prices

The cost of electric cars in the United States has decreased over the last decade due to an increase in competitive manufacturers. There are several companies that have developed electric cars that are affordable for the average consumer.

Tesla Motors

Celebrities like Ed Begley Jr. have lauded the work of Tesla Motors (www.teslamotors.com) in advancing the cause of electric cars. This company has developed an electric car called the Tesla Roadster that has grown in popularity as gas prices have increased. The 2008 version of the Tesla Roadster achieves an equivalent fuel efficiency of 135 miles per gallon without sacrificing style.

This San Carlos-based company has some of the highest electric car prices in the American market. The 2009 Roadster is retailing for $109,000 and requires a $60,000 refundable deposit to ensure capital to create the vehicle. Consumers can expect to wait up to 18 months for their new Roadster to be ready for delivery due to the individualized care given to each vehicle.

ZAP! Xebra Vehicles

ZAP! (www.zapworld.com) sells three different electric models through retailers nationwide. The Xebra electric sedan is a small coupe that travels at a rate of 40 miles per hour and lasts up to 25 miles per charge. The Xebra electric truck gets similar mileage and charge capacity with small compartments available for tools. The new ZAP Truck XL has a long bed and will be made available by fall 2008.

The ZAP! inventory resides in the lower end of electric car prices. The Xebra electric sedan has a suggested retail price of $11,200 while the Xebra electric truck is available for $12,500. Both vehicles require a $100 deposit during the initial order to ensure availability for a large number of customers. The ZAP Truck XL requires a $1,000 deposit and costs $14,950 due to the larger frame and higher-capacity battery.

Zenn Motor Company

Zenn Motor Company (www.zenncars.com) operates dozens of dealerships from Maine to California. This company focuses its entire attention on its Zenn sedan, which is available in silver, green, and blue. The Zenn sedan gives drivers the chance to blend good mileage with zero emissions during their daily commutes.

The price of a 2008 Zenn depends entirely on the location of the buyer as well as the customized features added before purchase. A driver can add floor mats for $65 and a radio for $295 if they want affordable amenities. There are premium accessories like air conditioning ($2,200) and sunroof ($1,195) that can drive up the final price after delivery and storage.

Dynasty Electric Car Company

The Dynasty Electric Car Company (www.itiselectric.com) operates 18 dealerships in the United States and Canada that sells five electric car models. The price range for these models starts with the open-air Tropic at $14,000 to $25,000 for the rugged Utility model. Additional models employing zero-emission motors include the Sedan, Sport, and Van.

Each electric car offered by Dynasty features four doors in addition to basic amenities available in traditional cars. Drivers can purchase Kenwood stereo and CD systems through Dynasty dealerships if they want to increase the value of their car. Additional features that can increase the electric car price through Dynasty include low-power air conditioners and premium batteries for additional power.

Commuter Cars Corporation

The Tango commuter car is the cornerstone product offered by the Commuter Cars Corporation (www.commutercars.com). This diminutive electric car is six inches narrower than large motorcycles, which ensures simple parking and avoidance of accidents. The company states that each Tango has a roll cage that exceeds safety requirements by the SCCA and NHRA to ease concerns that narrow cars are unsafe. Drivers can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in four seconds and it lasts 80 miles when the battery is fully charged.

There are three versions of the Tango that cover a wide range of prices for budget-conscious families. The entry level and midrange Tangos provided by Commuter Cars Corporation costs $18,700 and $39,900 for the 2008 models. Drivers who have more money to spend on premium accessories and high-performance parts can pay $108,000 for the high-end Tango.

Global Electric Motors

An example of a traditional auto manufacturer involved in the electric car market is Global Electric Motors (www.gemcars.com). This company is owned by Chrysler and sells six models through specialized dealerships throughout the United States. Each model utilizes a 72-volt battery that recharges within eight hours for the next day’s commute. Global Electric Motors produces low-speed electric vehicles that cannot be used during highway travel and high-speed local travel.

The entry-level GEM vehicle is the e2, which retails for $7,500. This car allows two passengers to travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour for neighborhood driving. The e4 provides room for four people while the e6 is a family sedan with six seats. The GEM eS has a short bed behind the seating area and offers utility for carpenters, builders and utility professionals. The eL XD is an extra-duty vehicle that has a long bed for workers in need of significant storage space.



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