Mygreenwheels

While the US automotive industry goes into meltdown Howard Hughes springs to the rescue with an electric vehicle based on the design of a light aircraft. I know what you're thinking and it's not THAT Howard Hughes - this one builds the Australian LightWing sports aviation aircraft on which his new EV, the 'Roadie' is based.

The Roadie is a three-wheeled vehicle that seats two passengers up front and one or two kids in the back. Reflecting its aviation roots it claims to feature an 'ultra-sleek and ultra-dynamic body' (sure, just like the rest of us) and to deliver up to 100kmph with a range of up to 220kms using lithium ion batteries or only 60kms if you opt for lead acid batteries. The Roadie is expected to retail for between $25,000 and $40,000 in its homeland from June 2009.

When the big American ICE manufacturers are teetering on the edge of oblivion with hands stretched out for their $17bn rescue I just can't get myself worked up about this machine. If ever there was a time for a serious EV production model it has to be now. With Americans back to paying a measly $2 a gallon of gas how is the world going to be persuaded to stump up for electric cars that look as clappy-trappy as this? Talk about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Just imagine what Mitsubishi and Toyota could bring to market if they were to get the big dollar handouts ...