Filed under: Green, Plants/Manufacturing, First Drive
AutoBlogGreen drives the Kurrent from American Electric Vehicle
Click on the photo of the Kurrent to see a high-res gallery from the factory
AutoblogGreen got invited to the Ferndale, MI home of American Electric Vehicle the other day and got to drive their stylish new neighborhood electric vehicle, the Kurrent. Sure it's no Bentley Flying Spur, or even a Smart ForTwo. But if you're looking for a little battery powered vehicle to get across campus, or hop down to your neighborhood grocery store for an extra six-pack and Doritos, it's a well-equipped, relatively inexpensive choice, complete with seat belts, doors, and a radio included. All this standard equipment is unusual in NEVs, and this thing is way better than a typical golf cart. Go check out the factory tour and driving impressions at ABG.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Howard Kerr 10:36AM (2/22/2007)
Aside from the looks, and let's face it, we've all sen uglier golf carts, would you really want to own a vehicle with a cutsey name that rhymes with the name of a Muppet?
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Adam 10:46AM (2/22/2007)
I was thinking Kurrent like electrical "current". Didn't make the conection with the muppets, but then again I haven't seen the muppets in 15yrs.
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tikirob 11:17AM (2/22/2007)
I'm not too sure about a neighborhood car... wouldn't the best alternative be a bike or walking (completely green and no fuel use). I mean if there were physical problems but there are alternatives already.
Rob
http://www.autoshortlist.com
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Peter 11:37AM (2/22/2007)
> a cutsey name that rhymes with the name of a
> Muppet?
Ok, I give up, which one? Can't think of any even when applying a very loose definition of rhyming.
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Phil L. 12:41PM (2/22/2007)
tikirob -
Sure, many can bike to work. Well, unless you have to wear a suit (and don't have shower access). Ooops - and it's raining out. And you have to bring something with you that doesn't fit onto the bike.
Hmmm - the Kurrent claims a top speed of 35 mph. But current NEV regulations, IIRC, claim NEV can only top out at 25 mph - but can be used on roads with limits up gto 35 mph. What gives?
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Howard Kerr 12:41PM (2/22/2007)
Folks, I thought kurrent...current (as in electrical current) was a bit obvious to some and completely out in left field for many auto types.
And I'm sorry that the Muppet's name I'm thinking of doesn't so much rhyme as sound very similar. But admit it, if you told the average person you bought a kurrent, don't you think they would give you a weird look?
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Mini me 1:48PM (2/22/2007)
Why do you need to buy a golf cart, when you can have a real car? I understand the concept of Smart, or Tesla, but to have a car that can go for 10 minutes at 35m/h? I think most of us will wait for a decent gasoline replacement, and those who can will get a true golf car for a lot cheaper.
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bilbao 9:58PM (2/22/2007)
Awesome concept ahead of most peoples' learning curve... and a well run company if the Oakland Business story is right on.
More people should be considering this as viable short trip transport. The Detroit market is the worst for retrograde, old-school thinking that always lags competitors then wonders, "what happened"? This car would have high potential among thought-leaders, early adopters, people in the know who get-it.
This may be a bridge car for a few years until the next big new thing comes along, but until then it looks worth the modest investment. Most people run errands, do short commuting over 15 miles or less so the battery seems perfectly ample for that.
Hats off to the creators of this Kurrent concept -- they should make them more widely available. Marketed well outside the myopic Michigan region, it will be a hit.
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UgoBR 2:25PM (11/25/2007)
A great car for those of us who live within city limits! I live in Seattle and this is the ideal second car. Not to mention that the WA state legislature has raised the NEV speed limit to 35 mph in our state, as has Montana.
Perhaps not a good alternative car for those of you in the burbs. Or who live in sprawling cities. But for those of us who live in city neighborhoods, the Kurrent is GREAT! A better solution than a motorcycle in our Pacific Northwest rainy weather, too.
Looking forward to buying one soon.
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