Like Welty, Ben Nelson is serious about making the changes, not waiting for someone else to come along to save the day. A year ago, Nelson took a 1996 two-door hatchback Geo Metro and replaced the 1.0 liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with a forklift motor and replaced the gas tank with a bank of batteries. “The car still has its driver and passenger airbags, daytime running lights, and all the other things you would expect in a regular car,” shares Nelson. “The difference is that it runs on renewable energy for a cost of about 2 cents a mile.”
I caught up with Nelson at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair where he had his all-electric Geo Metro on display. He was all wound up having just returned from the 2009 International Gathering of CitiCars held in Columbia, Maryland, just two miles from the home of the creator of the vehicles, Bob Beaumont. The gathering was organized by one of the members of the C-Car Yahoo Group.
“The CitiCars are simple, practical, quiet,” sums up Nelson. “They are easy to fix, and cheap to maintain. That, and they are 100% street legal. Your other choices are a $100,000 Tesla, or a conversion, which usually costs about $10,000, plus all the work and knowledge.” Welty echoes these sentiments, with a caveat regarding the troublesome CitiCar brakes (and lack of a parking brake).
“Three years ago, I couldn’t have possibly imagined myself building an electric car,” admits Nelson. “I’m just trying to make do with what I have to make the world a little better. I have come to find that few things in life work they way I wished they do. If they often don’t “fit in the box,” the only thing to do is change the box.” One time Nelson even got pulled over for a speeding ticket while out for a test drive, material for one of his electric car forum posts.
Welty also shares the innovative, can-do spirit. “I do what I do with the CitiCars not to make money, but to express the opportunities that rest with renewable energy and electric powered transportation.”
“If there’s somebody else out there that has more of them in one town, I’d sure like to hear from them,” smiles Welty, reflecting on the per capita ownership of CitiCars in Browntown. He’s quick to admit that if he sells one or two of his restored CitiCars (which he plans to do), then Browntown will lose its claim to fame.
But I won’t be parting with my CitiCar, that much is for sure.
Photography: John Ivanko/www.innnserendipity.com
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I used to be a dealer for CitiCar. Bought 8 at once and one the last ones they. I ordered another, but they went out of busines before they delivered it. I still have one with less than 300 miles on it. I also have some parts if anyone needs them. Harold Cillins
I used to be a dealer for CitiCar. Bought 8 at once and one the last ones they. I ordered another, but they went out of busines before they delivered it. I still have one with less than 300 miles on it. I also have some parts if anyone needs them. Harold Cillins
Do you still have parts/ wiring diagram ?
I have a 1975 citicar with 1,300 miles on it. Looking for hub caps for it and other parts.
I have a 1975 citicar with 1,300 miles on it. Looking for hub caps for it and other parts.
I have a 1975 Citicar which I bought in 1975. I have been using it for the last 36 years. I wouldn’t part with it for anything. Love it! Motor brushes changed once. New batteries every 10 years. New upholstery this year. New controller. Brake job. Some things last forever. Drive it almost every day.
Jim im looking to buy a citti car i have three on my list . batterys ever 10 years wow thats great how often do you charge your car any info would be great.
Speed Safely
Jack