A Breakdown of OEM All-Electric Vehicles (BEV's)

I would like to commence a mini-series of posts that outline and describe the varieties of electric vehicles, both past and present as well as future models that have been announced. Also, we will examine the various hybrid configurations and offerings from the world's automakers. Today we begin with the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV's) of the past

In order to be complete and accurate, I need to mention that in the beginning of the automotive industry, electric vehicles were the norm and preferred. Only when the starter was invented did the combustion engine take over, because people abhorred the task of hand-cranking the engine to life. As we fast forward to the mid nineties, we find that all major automakers manufactured BEV's. Why? Simply because the California Air Resources Board (CARB) required auto makers sell 2% of their vehicles as Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV's). Thus it was dubbed the ZEV mandate. Without compliance, the automaker could not sell products in the State of California. As the most populous State in the Union, this became a serious and weighty mandate.

They worked fast and furious, as no one wanted to be excluded from the California marketplace, and the following is a list of the great cars they offered.

Toyota RAV4-EV

Due to the increasing popularity of sport utility vehicles, Toyota developed the RAV4-EV, which used the same body as the internal combution model. This vehicle was the first in its class to be mass-produced with nickel-metal hydride batteries, an advanced system to give electric vehicles a greater driving range. The RAV4-EV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 17 seconds and has a top speed of 79 miles per hour. This combined with all of the standard features such as dual airbags, AM/FM stereo with cassette deck, four wheel drive, and climate control, makes this roomy EV perfect for sport utility fanatics everywhere. This car is the only BEV sold to the public and is STILL on the road today. What a beauty.

Chevrolet S-10 Electric

The Chevy S10 Electric is very similar to its gas-powered cousin: equipped with front wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, driver's side air bag, air conditioning, and daytime running lamps. Powered by an advanced three phase liquid-cooled AC induction motor and lead-acid batteries, this pick up can accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in approximately 10.3 seconds, and can achieve speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. This truck can still be bought today on eBay.

Chrysler EPIC Minivan

Due to the success of previous Chrysler Minivans, Chrysler created an electric version: the Chrysler Epic. This quiet vehicle seats up to seven and has a capacity of 800 pounds. This minivan configuration was perfect for growing families. Equipped with air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power steering, dual air bags and lead-acid batteries, the Chrysler Epic is a perfect balance of comfort and capacity. The Epic utilizes an AC induction motor which can reach speeds up to 80 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 16 seconds.

Ford Ranger EV

To prove that electric vehicles can be strong and rugged, Ford introduced the 1998 Ford Ranger EV, based of the best-selling compact truck, the Ford Ranger. Just like the gas-powered version, the Ford Ranger EV is equipped with a cargo carrying capacity of up to 700 pounds, a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual airbags, and climate control. The Ford Ranger EV is powered by lead-acid batteries and a three phase AC induction motor which has a top speed of 75 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in under 12.5 seconds (the gasoline powered Ranger, under 12 seconds). This truck can also be bought used today on eBay and other outlets..

General Motors EV1

GM claims to have spent $1 billion in creating and designing the EV1 and it shows. This state-of-the-art EV seats two and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and currently holds the electric land speed record. The EV1's lead acid batteries can be fully charged in less than three hours when used with a 220V outlet. Later, GM offered the car with NiMH batteries that increased its range to 160 miles. This vehicle has all of the standard features you would expect as well as computer controlled charging, regenerative braking, automatically sealing tires, and a dashboard display that gives you info about every part of the car (including the pressure inside the tires). The three phase AC induction motor gives the EV1 plenty of power and with the "raindrop" style body, this vehicle looks and drives more like a high performance sports car and less like the standard EV. For more on this marvelous vehicle, please see the movie, Who Killed the Electric Car.

Honda EV Plus

The Honda EV Plus was the first EV in the United States to be sold with nickel-metal hydride batteries. This vehicle was offered by lease to the public and loved ny all who drove it. The Honda EV Plus can comfortably seat four and is powered by a DC brushless motor. It came equipped with dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, front and rear suspension, air conditioning, and a maximum driving range of 125 miles. This vehicle has a top speed of over 80 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 17.7 seconds.

Nissan Altra EV

Another four passenger vehicle, the Altra EV was styled like a station wagon but could have been called an early crossover. Supported like a van with a carrying capacity of 250 pounds, the Altra is uniquely powered by lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in less than 12 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 75 mph. This vehicle is very useful for people who have to drive many miles in the course of a day, with a range of 120 miles on a full charge. Driving the Nissan Altra is a comfortable experience, with plenty of space and standard features such as air conditioning, dual air bags, anti-lock breaks, power steering and front and rear suspension.

Can you believe that we had this selection of fine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) all-electric vehicles? They were all offered in the late nineties to early twenty-first century in California and Arizona. Living in Ohio, I never got a chance to see these in operation or sit behind the wheel. I feel cheated! Why didn't the manufucturer's continue production and development of these game changing and paradigm changing cars? Simply because CARB relented under the crushing pressure from car companies to rescind their mandate so they could return to business as usual practices. Now that we have seen how high gas prices can climb, we do not have these vehicles as a choice when entering car dealerships and that is truly a shame.

Note: The GM EV1 was arguably the most advanced technoloical marvel ever produced by the auto industry. It could travel up to 160 miles per charge using NiMH batteries and could also beat expensive sports cars in the quarter mile. It was quite simply the best alternate energy commuter vehicle ever built, but GM hated it and eventually recalled and crushed them, even though lessees begged to buy them.

Note: The Toyota RAV4 EV was the most successful OEM EV ever bullt. After ten years and hundreds of thousands of miles, they are still running strong and still command up to $50,000 USED. We need vehicles like this today to help wean us from foreign oil dependency.