Slow and small electrics NEVertheless street legal
Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) — which look a lot like golf carts — can be licensed like any other motor vehicle for use in Washington, but they must stick to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, according to a state law that went into effect yesterday.
"The process wouldn't be different than registering any other motor vehicle," said Department of Licensing spokesman Brad Benfield. "The fees are the same, and they're going to be considered a passenger vehicle."
Each NEV will have its own vehicle-identification number and a license plate, just like any car. According to Benfield, some flatbed models may also be licensed as trucks so they can haul cargo and use loading zones.
Drivers must be insured, carry valid driver's licenses and wear seat belts. Passengers also must wear seat belts.
Unlike golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles have standard safety equipment — seat belts, headlights, exterior mirrors and windshields.
"One thing that we are anticipating is people coming in to try to license a regular golf cart, but we're not going to be able to do that," Benfield said.
Electric vehicles have environmental advantages, according to Linda Graham, director of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition.
"They use no gasoline or diesel, producing no emissions," Graham said. "And they are perfect for short trips. It's those short trips that create the most pollution in a gasoline-driven car."
NEVs sell for between $6,000 and $12,000 new. They can be plugged in at any 110-volt outlet, and they charge in eight hours.
Most NEVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph, making them suited to places with low speed limits, such as Fort Lewis, which acquired 10 of the vehicles a year ago to move personnel and cargo on the base.
"We've actually replaced an SUV with one of these vehicles," said Sherri Whiteman, air program manager at Fort Lewis Public Works. "Our intent is to replace regular gas vehicles with some of these."
The city of Port Townsend bought three neighborhood electric vehicles seven months ago and will put them to use once the paperwork is completed, City Manager David Timmons said.
"Size is an advantage," said Timmons. "In congested areas it's going to be easier to get around, particularly during the festival events."
The police will also use them for parking enforcement, Port Townsend Deputy Police Chief Conner Daily said.
Whether the vehicles will be popular in Washington remains to be seen, though — and weather is to blame.
"It looks like they may be intended for use in warmer climates — they're kind of open — and here in Washington that may be a challenge," Benfield said.
According to Graham, leaving the cars out on a cold night can cause windshield condensation — a problem because the cars are not equipped with defrosters.
But in the past four months, Randy Tompkin's car dealership in Bellingham has sold seven GEMs, or Global Electric Motorcars, an NEV manufactured by DaimlerChrysler.
"Once people can drive them down the road, others will say, 'Hey, wow,' " said Tompkin. "The people who own them will give us twice as much exposure."
Angel Gonzalez: 206-464-3312 or agonzalez@seattletimes.com