Zoomi Life

The Triac is neither a car nor a motorcycle, but sort of a combination. It’s in the same category as the Aptera and other “technically-motorcycles, but really cars” vehicles, with it’s 3-wheeled design, thin body, and light weight.

These electric vehicles are highway-capable, have a top speed of around 80mph and can go 100 miles (at 45mph) on a single charge. Made by Green Vehicles, the car can charge from a 110v or 220v outlet and has a 5-speed transmission.

The Triac looks like a VW bug (the new ones) from the front and are in a tear-drop shape with a single wheel in the back. They seat two and are designed for the American market and feature a 20kW AC motor and lithium-ion batteries. No price fields are forthcoming as of yet, but supposedly the release date for this could be as early as 2010.

Green Vehicles is also in the final design phase of an electric pickup called the Buckshot. This one will feature the same motor, but a 3-speed transmission with lower gearing to make it a “true work truck.” Little else is available on that EV, but it’s an interest development. Especially to me, since I like my pickups.

This is great news, although it would be nice of Green Vehicles were to give out a little more info so we can compare some specs. The good news about this company is that they’re apparently spending more money and effort on actually building the vehicles than they are on marketing. This is obvious by the fact that their initial press release on the Triac was met with such high feedback and questions that their marketing department was overwhelmed and had to release a new information sheet to try to deal with the overload. Many sites reported an inability to get through via email or on the phone to have questions answered. I personally take that as a good sign.

Green Vehicles has two dealerships currently, one in San Jose, California and a new one in Mill Valley (where they are located). They’ve also got partner dealerships in Salem, Oregon and Escondido, CA. New dealers will be opening in February in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles, California.

Check out the Triac preview video put together by Green Vehicles:

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