Myers NmG
Sponsored links:
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FUEL ECONOMY:
n/a MPG n/a L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
Coupe
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TECHNOLOGY:
Electric
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BASE MSRP:
$36,000
The Myers NmG is a funky, single-occupant three-wheeled electric vehicle. That’s right, there’s just enough room for you and a cart’s worth of groceries. The “personal electric vehicle,” which features two wheels in the front and one in the back is $36,000—about ten grand more than a Prius. It uses thirteen 12-volt, lead-acid batteries that can be charged through a standard 110-volt outlet. Six to eight hours of charging will carry you approximately 30 miles. The three-wheeler is considered a motorcycle for the purposes of registration, insurance and parking.
The Myers NmG began its life as the Corbin Sparrow. Between 1999 and 2002, Corbin Motors managed to manufacture nearly 300 units, but then technical and business problems forced them into bankruptcy. Myers Motors, based in Tallmadge, Ohio, resurrected the company in 2004 with the mission of creating “innovative, responsible and fun alternative forms of transportation.” The company completely re-engineered the technical system, while keeping the distinctive body of the Sparrow and its outrageous day-glow color options—such as lilac, teal, magenta, and aqua—which would fit well on the set of the Tellytubbies. The NmG can reach a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour. Orders are filled one at a time. Allow 10 weeks for delivery.
One word....UGLY
Why even show these? There are normal looking ones out there...
I would have to agree with Daniel's assessment. This is only slightly cooler than the Tango T600.
But I have to give credit to hybridcars.com for posting this on their website for all to see. I hope to see what other options are out there.
As far as cool vehicles, that Venture One (flytheroad.com) is tops. The all electric version of the Venture One is considerably less expensive ($23K) than the NmG, and it's range (120 miles)is much further than the NmG, which causes me to think that Venture one might have some vaporware going on. But we will see.
Myers will have to find a way to considerably cut out costs to be successful on this product. With the coming of the $7K car from China, it will be tough to compete. In fact, Myers might have to off-shore much of the manufacturing to China to get those costs down. $8K ASP for the NmG and now you're talkin.
I'm not sure what the differences are between this vehicle and that crazy Tango T600.
How can they both be custom-made-on-order, have lead-acid batteries, no trunk space and yet one be $108,000 and the other be $36,000?
Why would anyone spend $36,000 on something this UGLY to go only 30 miles before a recharge? They must have more dollars than sense. For $36,000 I could probably have a fully loaded Ford Escape hybrid which is rated at 34 mpg. I could then resell it in about 2 years and buy some sort of plugin hybrid when they are available, and really get good mileage.
It's not ugly. The tango is ugly.
ok, maybe its a girl thing... but I wouldnt mind driving around in one. I think it would be a great commute car. however for it to be a PRACTICAL commuter vehicle I need to be able to GET HOME from work, not just get there in the morning. at only 30 miles per 8 hour charge... its just not a feasible option. Especially when it costs MORE than a prius. while i understand that the NmG is ultimately designed for (and is going to have the most worth to) those who collect oddities, I really do wish that it was more economical and efficient for the every day user. it would definately get you a few looks on the road.
When Corbin was selling the Sparrow, the price was much more reasonable at about $14 – 19K. In fact, you could find used Sparrows for around $7K on the Internet as recently as last year. I have to admit, $36K just seems a bit much for this to be a good second car.
As far as range, I can see it not being practical for someone with a 30-mile commute one way. But according to USDOT, 50% of Americans drive 25 miles or less per day (see the graph at http://www.pluginamerica.com/). Personally, my round-trip commute is 10 miles, so the NmG would be ideal for me to get to work and back.
As to the comment, 'why even show these?'. Well, because these examples are viable EV's currently sold in North America. You may think the Tango is oddly shaped, but I'm sure Rick Woodbury could give you a dissertation on why a half-width commuter vehicle makes more sense on crowded urban roads than a full-width car carrying one person. And three-wheeled vehicles like the NmG or the Zap Xebra exist because, as motorcycles, they do not have to go through the expensive USDOT testing that 'normal' road cars are required to do. (Incidentally, this is why most four-wheeled electric vehicles currently sold in the U.S. are limited to 25 mph.) Personally, I like the ‘good-enough’ approach to transportation. I love my Prius, but every day I drive to work and back with three empty seats. I’d drive Fred Flintstone’s car if I thought I could get around town in it.
Finally, as to the aesthetics, all I can say is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally find the slab-sided pickup trucks gracing American roads these days god-awful ugly, but here in Texas some people go all misty-eyed over their new F150 King Ranch or Sierra 3500 because of their rugged looks. Personally, I just don't get it. But that's me. Of course, in that light I find Keith Bradsher’s explanation as to why modern American light trucks tend to be rather boxy somewhat amusing (http://www.wnyc.org/books/9444).
Um, what's the deal with all the goofy looking electric cars around here?
If y'all can find it, I'd be more interested in some juicy news on hybrids, please. Just saying.
The tango is a race car like the tesla. This vehicle is actually a motorcycle. There is no air conditioning and your colors can vary quite a bit from this but don't expect to get black or silver. The good thing about these two vehicles is that they are in limited production. Tesla and the venture vehicle are still vaporware.
i think i want 1 - pt07
The bottom line on EVs is that they are underpowered, overpriced and ugly. The Tesla overcomes two of the three. It is very powerful and beautiful. However, at $98,000 it is hardly affordable. I realize it is only a first step in their plans but I would guess that their sedan effort will still be very expensive. The Prius is a great compromise between economy and price. While it doesn't cut the gas pump out it is affordable to many, attractive and economical to run. Maybe in the next century EVs will finally be attractive, affordable and real alternatives to the real driving needs of Americans.
I think the design is awesome. The vast majority of cars put out by the manufacturers are so boring, while this one is interesting, imaginative, aerodynamic, and beautiful.
This is the sexiest hybrid I've ever seen. I'm planning on getting on and this is definetley one of my top picks. I might get "Captain Geometry" painted on the side.
Daniel can go die!
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this car makes me laugh.
This car is very similar to the late 1970's vintage Freeway HMV manufactured by HMV (High Mileage Vehicles) in Burnsville, MN. They made 3 models: an electric, and 12HP and 16 HP gas versions. The 12 HP was advertised to get 100 MPG. The electric had a range of about 15 miles and few were made due to the high center of gravity causing them to roll over easily. A total of about 600 vehicles were made over a period of 3 years or so at which time the company went out of business. Many are still around and you occasionally see one on eBay.
I have a 1980 model, 16 HP version and I can attest to them being attention grabbers in the super market parking lot. Be sure you allow time on your trips to answer questions.
As for the NmG, it is way overpriced for what it is. If you have lots of money to burn and are interested in a unique conversation piece, go for it. Also, unless it is much more stable than my Freeway, you'd never catch me going over about 45 MPH in it.
i hate this car
ruined my life
Looks like a shoe :P
true that this car is ugly and if you got in an acident you would be screwd
There's a guy in my neighborhood that drives one of these to work everyday.
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