Citicar

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CitiCar
Citicar
Manufacturer Sebring Vanguard
Production 1974 -1983
Class Battery Electric
Body style(s) 2-door 2-seat
Engine(s) Series Wound GE 3HP
Battery type:8 X 6 volt lead acid
Length 2972 mm (117 in)
Width 1397 mm (55 in)
Height 1524 mm (60 in)
Curb weight 670 kg (1475lb)
Citivan
Citivan

The Citicar was produced between 1974 and 1983 by a U.S. company called Sebring Vanguard, based in Florida. It is the most produced electric car in American automobile history.

History

The Citicar, a small electric vehicle whose design was later purchased by Commuter Vehicles, Inc. and renames the Commuta Car, was first produced in Florida in 1974 by a company called Sebring Vanguard because of the mid-1970's fuel crisis. The Citicar was a tiny golf cart sized car that could go at a top speed of about 39MPH, had no extra features such as locking doors or air conditioning. Production continued until 1983, and at 2,500 produced, it still holds the record for most road-legal electric cars made in automobile history.

Models

The Citicar came in 3 models. Coupe, the smallest of the three, had a diagonal front, a roof parallel to the road, and a back with a 90 degree angle to the road. The second smallest model, hatchback was the same as the coupe, except it had a slightly larger wheelbase and a back that sloped. This gave the two passengers a little more room while riding in the car. The largest of the three, was called the Citivan, or Commuta Van, which still held two passengers, but also had room for storage. It was the only model with a trunk. All of the vehicles can run for up to 40 miles per charge.

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