Mygreenwheels

This new green car sounds like it comes from a Bond movie - Colombia's first electric car, created by Salamandra engineers in Bucaramanga. Something doesn't quite compute. I guess I just don't expect Colombia to come up with something as straight and not mind-altering as this, but then again there's a bit of a loony angle to it, so that provides a bit of comfort.

Lexion electric car from SalamandraBy the way they're a bit coy about pictures of the car, so my apologies for the limited view.

Apparently the Lexion electric car from Salamandra is a three-wheeled two-seater that works with electricity or gas and can manage up to 65kmph. If that doesn't sound too impressive it is claimed to be able to climb hills better than the Reva and can do 70km before needing a recharge.

The Lexion is to sell for about 5,000 Euros, so it's said to be about 1/5th of the price of EVs sold in the US and Europe - but how many of them go around on three wheels? Not a straight comparison methinks. Whatever ... it's reported to start appearing in Mexico and Spain in Q2 2010.

Here's the Bond angle - designer Mercay plans not only a five-seater four-wheeled version that'll do 100kmph (sounds good), he's also working on an engine that will run on compressed air and on a car that will be able to 'advance through water'. Well, you never know - with rising sea levels, that could be just the thing we're all looking for in a year or two.

By the way, it's worth having a further look at Colombia Reports where I first read about this. The nightlife looks amazing! Maybe the Salamandra cars will benefit from the trickle-down glamour. Who knows.