Viability and economics of building or purchasing, driving, and maintaining an electric car

This paper discusses the liability and economics of building or purchasing, driving and maintaining an electric car for commuting in the 1990s and beyond. Currently there are mandates in place that require that by the year 1998, two percent of the vehicles sold in California be “zero emission vehicles” (ZEV). This same mandate has been imposed in many of the New England states as well. The “big three” automakers have answered with electric cars that surpass the $40000 mark. What can the average person do, who wants to drive an electric car, but cannot afford these expensive prototypes? This paper describes one approach to building an affordable electric car, with excellent performance and range. Additionally, the author describes actual examples of these cars, using the design techniques outlined in this paper