Aug 24, 2007

Miles to Go Electric

Miles Electric Vehicles, a manufacturer of low-speed electrically powered vehicles, has just appointed 30 dealerships to sell its all-electric, zero-emissions cars and trucks. While its current vehicles -- the four-door hatchback ZX40 and ZX40S, the off-road OR70 and the ZX40ST work truck -- will not exceed 25 miles per hour, it also plans a highway-speed electric vehicle (HSV), which is due to hit showrooms in 2008. Among the new-car dealerships initially selected to become Miles Electric Vehicle franchisees are the Cardinale Automotive Group, Lloyd Wise Auto Center, MC Electric Vehicles, Motorworks of Long Island and Alan Vigil Ford of South Atlanta.

The company's lineup of low-speed electric vehicles offer features like all-steel body construction, stereo/CD systems, and stylish, practical design. Their zero-emissions status is combined with exceptionally low ownership costs. The company says they're about one-tenth the cost to drive and maintain as a typical gasoline-powered vehicle.

More exciting to the mainstream is the Pininfarina-designed HSV sedan, expected in late 2008. With a suggested retail price of around $30,000, the company expects it to be the first affordable, mass-produced, all-electric HSV to hit the U.S. market. The lithium ion battery-powered car will achieve speeds over 80 mph and travel more than 120 miles on a single charge (for about the cost of a gallon of gas), while providing luxury features/options like advanced airbags, Bluetooth and GPS. The company says it plans to build some 18,000 units in the 2009 model year. The highway-speed sedan will be complemented with an HSV crossover model in 2009. The company plans to produce 38,000 HSV units in 2010 and approximately 100,000 in 2011.

"With zero emissions and no gas required, Miles Electric cars and trucks far surpass the environmental benefits of hybrids, making them a compelling option for an increasingly large and influential 'green' market niche," said Miles Automotive Group CEO Jeff Boyd. "Our HSV has the potential to be a breakthrough product that generates news and energizes showrooms, which is why we're so excited to bring together dealers who understand its potential and can deliver a sales experience that meets the expectations of this particular car-buyer."