Not Impressed with NEV’s
If you go to the Zenn Motor Company website you will see a nice little electric vehicle and alot of information about saving money. I actually saw one of these in a parking lot. Granted they are small, but we are liking small these days. I looked like it had 4 wheel disc brakes and spacious room for two. The rear seat was a bit small, but good for groceries.
The main thing that struck me on this particular car is that it had a big orange triangle painted on the rear. The same triangle you see on tractors and other slow moving vehicles.
Yes, the Zenn is little more than a Neighborhood electric vehicle, NEV. This means it has a Federally regulated top speed of 25 MPH. If this works for you than the Zenn is a fine vehicle. But in my town roads with a 35mph speed limit usually have traffic going closer to 40. A 25mph vehicle is definatly in the way. There are also roads in my town that have posted limits of 45mph, Zenn is not allowed.
The bang for your buck is just not here. 25MPH for $12000 (My local dealer has prices ranging from 12k to 15k) While there is some comfort in not using fossile fuels, there has to be functionality to go along.
The NEV should go away and be replaced by a TEV, Town Electric Vehicle. Max speed of 50mph, so not for the freeway. Range of 50 miles at 25mph would be enough to get you around to do all your errands. At least a two seater with room for bags.
Now that is a vehicle that could pull its weight as an every day ride.
If you are considering an electric vehicle, be sure to take a look at its specs. Make sure it will meet your needs for now and for 3 years from now. Better yet, get a test drive before you buy.
