Electric Vehicles Mass in Palo Alto

As with every electric vehicle, battery issues—type, range, weight, and charging time, not to mention cost—are slowing down development, but enthusiasts and entrepreneurial companies are working to come up with the best solution. Perhaps it’s a three-wheeled vehicle, such as the Triac from Green Vehicles. Looking a little like a wingless helicopter, with two wheels up front and one in the back, it is much more like a car than a motorcycle, and at $25,000, is priced like one. The folks at Green Vehicles offer a cute little minivan called the Moose and a little three-wheeled trucklet called the Buckshot as well.

Some manufacturers have electric cars out now, in the testing stages. Two MINI E’s were represented, although they’re not for sale (yet). The shockingly narrow Tango looked like you could push it over (you can’t). Two lovely Teslas were in evidence while I was there.

A few Toyota RAV4 small SUVs were on display. These cars were available 10 years ago, until Toyota stopped selling them. However, unlike in GM’s EV1 program, the cars belonged to the owners and were not crushed.

They’re still humming along.

One of the most unusual vehicles was a replica of the 1904 curved dash Oldsmobile, this one electrically powered and steered with its tiller by Bill Palmer. Bill is one of the founders of the Electric Automobile Association, which formed in 1967. He claims that his replica Olds is based on a six-inch plastic model. The 1904 original was not an electric vehicle. Bill enjoyed taking children—and some adults—on short rides around the grounds.

You can pay experts to convert your car for you or do it yourself. Electro Automotive of Felton California had a booth featuring friendly folks and plenty of information to take along. One handout announced an event to follow the next day. One sheet showed that Electro Automotive’s kits range from $6,425 to $12,545, depending on the donor vehicle. Another handout gave lists of books to read to learn more.

Or, you can do it as a family project. Steve and Eric Schmidt stood proudly next to their bright orange MG Midget. Much of the conversion was done by this father and son team. Both admitted that they had no experience when they started. As they pulled away in their silent cruiser, you know they had learned a lot in the process.

A pair of Toyota Priuses joined the party. These were plug-in conversions, which operate in full electric mode but can run on gasoline when the batteries become discharged. This method eases concerns about becoming stranded. The world is waiting for batteries to become more efficient—along with quick charging and widespread availability to it—so that electricity can take over.

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