Publication Detail
Prospects for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles in the USA
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UCD-ITS-RP-94-36 Presentation Series Download PDF |
Suggested Citation:
Sperling, Daniel and Kenneth S. Kurani (1994) Prospects for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles in the USA. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Presentation Series UCD-ITS-RP-94-36
Proceedings, the 12th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS-12). Vol. 1, Sessions 1A-2D
Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are a promising strategy for easing the growing tension between demands for greater automotive travel and calls for improved environmental quality. By reducing performance and driving range expectations, NEVs overcome the energy storage problem of larger electric vehicles, while still serving the mobility demands of many travelers. The introduction of NEVs is likely to be slowed by a web of road and vehicle rules designed around the standard vehicle of the past and by uniform vehicle-size expectations on the part of consumers, government regulators, and roadway suppliers. The energy and environmental benefits are potentially so large, however, and the opportunity to create more human-scale communities so promising, that it would be irresponsible not to pursue NEVs in a more deliberate fashion.
Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are a promising strategy for easing the growing tension between demands for greater automotive travel and calls for improved environmental quality. By reducing performance and driving range expectations, NEVs overcome the energy storage problem of larger electric vehicles, while still serving the mobility demands of many travelers. The introduction of NEVs is likely to be slowed by a web of road and vehicle rules designed around the standard vehicle of the past and by uniform vehicle-size expectations on the part of consumers, government regulators, and roadway suppliers. The energy and environmental benefits are potentially so large, however, and the opportunity to create more human-scale communities so promising, that it would be irresponsible not to pursue NEVs in a more deliberate fashion.