Economic Nightmare

Just like all of you, I cringe every time I have to stop at the gas pump to fill up the old family wagon.



Like everyone else trying to save on gas, I decided it was time to car shop.

Check out some of the economy models I found.

GEM Car
Cost: $7,000 to $13,000
Charge time: 6-8 hours; Range: 30-40 miles
Top speed: 25 mph



The GEM car, from Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars division, is more typical of what's available to today's average consumer.


Dynasty iT Sedan
Cost: $14,000 to $25,000
Charge time: 6 hours; Range: 30 miles
Top speed: 25 mph



Right now, Dynasty has only a few cars available in the U.S., but more should be available once factory production is up and running again.


ZENN
Cost: $16,000
Charge time: 6-8 hours; Range: 30-50 miles
Top speed: 25 mph



Its maker, ZENN Motor Company Inc., claims its energy efficiency is equivalent to a gasoline-powered car getting 245 miles per gallon.


Zap Xebra
Cost: $11,700
Charge time: 6 hours Range: 25 miles
Top speed: 40 mph


Technically speaking, the Xebra isn't a car. That's because it has only one front wheel, which makes it a motorcycle even though it can amazingly seat up to four. And you can get it with leather seats and a CD player.

I'm partial to the Zap Xebra because it has some real speed, leather seats and a CD player.

Maybe it's an age thing but actually it is classified as a motorcycle, so if I had one of those I could make the Sturgis motorcycle run with all the Harley riders.

The Sturgis run is full of friendly people.



The Zap Xebra seats four so the wife and the dogs could cruise along with me.

I think I'll see if the dealer will let me drive it to Reno to see how it handles so if I like it I can plan the Sturgis run since gas money will be no object.

Geez I forgot to see if they had air conditioning and power windows as the wife is spoiled for those creature comforts.