X

Photos: Upcoming electric cars

Electric cars are the only real option for stopping carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe, and thus preventing global climate change. But as of today, you can't visit your local dealers' row and drive away in an electric car. Things are changing, though, and here is a selection of new electric cars we've seen at recent auto shows.

CNET Reviews staff
Cube_SS02_440.jpg
1 of 8 CNET Networks
Nissan takes its existing Cube city car and fits it with an electric power train. Japanese automakers are well-positioned to build electrics, as most have small city cars to use as a platform. According to Nissan, the Denki Cube concept gets a 100-mile range from its lithium ion battery pack, and has a top speed of 75 mph.
IMG_5028_440.jpg
2 of 8 CNET Networks
The German-designed E-motion is constructed with production-grade components, making it a good candidate for production. The UPS-van-like four-seater is driven by an 8kW electric motor via a lithium ion battery pack, which gives it a top speed of 50 mph and a range of around 60 miles.
IMIEV_SS01_440.jpg
3 of 8 CNET Networks
Mitsubishi's iMiEV is an electric car built on the company's i car platform. The i car will be marketed in the U.S. by 2010, although the electric iMiEV is only a test vehicle at this point. It can go for about 100 miles on a full charge with its lithium ion battery pack.
Electric_SS01_440.jpg
4 of 8 CNET Networks
The R1e is driven by a 40-kilowatt motor which can push it up to 65 mph. Its lithium ion battery pack gives it a range of 50 miles and can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 15 minutes, using a special quick charger. Subaru placed two of these cars with the New York Power Authority for test marketing.
IMG_5046_440.jpg
5 of 8 CNET Networks
Th!nk, which has already released its Th!nk City electric car, is working on this five-seat electric car. The Ox is based on a space-frame architecture with two lithium ion battery packs situated in lower compartments. The batteries drive a 60kW electric motor and will have a maximum range of around 155 miles on a full charge.
Electric_SS02_440.jpg
6 of 8 CNET Networks
Hybrid Technologies uses its proprietary battery management technology to convert existing cars, fitting them with lithium ion battery packs and electric-drive units. The Liv Wise is converted from a Toyota Yaris and has a range of 90 to 100 miles, with a top speed of over 75 mph.
Concept_03_440.jpg
7 of 8 CNET Networks
The Zeo is very much a concept vehicle. Dodge offers few specifications about the electric power train, other than that its lithium ion battery pack would give it a 250-mile range. That number is unrealistic with today's technology.
Tesla_roadster2_440.jpg
8 of 8 CNET Networks
Tesla is struggling to get its much-ballyhooed electric sports car into production. The Tesla Roadster uses a lithium ion battery pack to power its peak 185-kilowatt motor. Tesla claims a range of 220 miles and a top speed of 125 mph.

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos