With gas prices near four dollars a gallon, consumers are looking for ways to drive their vehicles without having to get a mortgage to pay for gas. That’s where Electric Vehicles of America comes in. The company sells parts so that people can convert their standard gasoline engines to run on electricity.
“I believe strongly in the free market’s ability to find solutions to the rising cost of fuel. I suspect the folks at Electric Vehicles of America have positioned themselves very well to tap into what is clearly a concern with the driving public,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.
Bob Batson, who formed Electric Vehicles of America, told CNN that business has been good as consumers search for alternatives to gas engines.
“Sales trends are definitely up as the price of gasoline goes up,” he said.
Larry Horsley, who owns a metal roofing business in Georgia, told CNN that he gets a lot of use out his conversion kit. Horsley converted his Chevy truck to run on 20 six-volt batteries, similar to those used to power golf carts. His truck is capable of traveling 40 miles between charges and can go up to 60 miles per hour.
“Anyone who has basic mechanical skills can build one of these,” he said.
The conversion kit and the truck itself cost Horsley about $12,000 and took about three months to complete. He said that most of that time was spent waiting for parts.
Horsley told CNN that he estimates he has saved $700 on gas, oil, and filters in 4 months by driving his electric truck.
“The other interesting aspect of electric vehicles is their capacity to accelerate much faster than gasoline powered vehicles. At our Dallas sports car rental company, we are anticipating some electric sports cars that should provide our clients with thrilling driving experiences,” says business consultant Ron Sturgeon, who also owns an exotic car club and a business that provides automotive dream tours.
“Electric cars or electric gas hybrids are a great solution to lower commuting costs,” says Sturgeon, “but I’m also looking forward to seeing some electric cars that are fun to drive from the people at Tesla Motors and other car makers.”
(Images courtesy of Tesla Motors Media Library.)
Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services
