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Charged up over electric cars Lawmakers pushing neighborhood electric vehicles Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer Thursday, February 26, 2009
ELECTRIFIED ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS — Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass, left, yesterday joined Shae Singer with Aspen Electric Cars to promote the use of neighborhood electric vehicles. Schwartz is pushing legislation that would allow the use of low-speed elect

Two state lawmakers are asking drivers to “put the spark back in your commute” by switching to neighborhood electric vehicles.

The futuristic, bubble-looking cars were on display at the Capitol yesterday — boasting zero emissions thanks to its all-electric system. 

While it is legal to drive the low-speed vehicles on most roads in Colorado — not highways — there is no uniform law permitting such operation. Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass, along with Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland, have introduced legislation that would allow low-speed electric vehicles on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Drivers would be required to register their low-speed electric vehicles for $25. Registration fees collected would be applied to grants for installing electric-vehicle recharging stations.

Senate Bill 75 has already passed its first hurdle in the Senate Transportation Committee. It now heads to appropriations.

Schwartz said yesterday that by establishing a uniform law on operating low-speed electric vehicles, commuters would likely be more encouraged to utilize the technology.

“(We are) bringing forward the opportunity to have our NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles) now become current technology that will be embraced throughout the State of Colorado, in all of our communities,” said Schwartz.

Few frills

The cars themselves are very basic — cup holders are considered a luxury. But they are incredibly practical for neighborhood commuting, say proponents.

Ranging in price from $9,000 to $20,000, NEV’s cost about 1-3 cents per mile to operate and easily charge at any standard 110V outlet — such as any outlet in your garage or kitchen. The battery charges from 50 percent to full in four to six hours, and each battery lasts about 25,000 miles. Commuters can get about 30-45 miles per charge.

There’s no denying that the vehicles are a little funny looking — with their bubbly curves and bright colors, there’s a certain circus quality to these cars.

But Shae Singer, with Aspen Electric Cars in Aspen, says the unique style is what is so appealing to many NEV users.

“People are looking for the fun factor,” she said. “They’re looking for the bright yellow car, for the bubble look — they’re looking for something fun to drive.”

Singer said Aspen snow hasn’t stopped her from cruising her electric vehicle around town. Simply throw some chains on the tires and these NEVs work their way through mountain snow just as any vehicle can.

And — like any car — the vehicles are built with safety features to meet National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration standards. The cars come with reverse warning alarms, safety glass windshields, rear view mirrors and seat belts, to name a few safety features.

Considering the vehicles make absolutely no noise to be heard, the reverse warning alarm is a practical feature.

Will they catch on?

Aaron Nelson, project director for the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, said he is optimistic that NEVs will catch on to help the state reduce its carbon footprint.

“(Senate Bill 75) will help open the market for neighborhood electric vehicles and help to take our clean energy economy, our new energy economy, further to support the environment, and support the economy,” said Nelson.

He added that the vehicles create one-third fewer carbon emissions than a typical combustion vehicle.

Neighborhood electric vehicles may look like tricked-out golf carts. But Schwartz points out that they are anything but.

“This is not a golf cart, this is not an ATV, this is a mainstream mode of transportation that Colorado is taking leadership on,” she said. “And it is going to be successful for generations to come.”

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