If the prognosticators are correct, metro Atlanta drivers will face $5 per gallon gas prices by Christmas. But Mike McQuary says there’s an alternative, and he’ll be unveiling it at the Atlanta International Auto Show.
It’s taken four years to perfect the new, all-electric LiFe, said McQuary, CEO of Atlanta-based Wheego Electric Cars. It was well worth the wait, he adds, for the vehicle that travels 100 miles on a single charge and can go as fast as 65 miles per hour.
“LiFe is not a hybrid; it’s 100 percent electric,” said McQuary, who named the car for the atomic symbols for lithium and iron. “And unlike a lot of car companies that say, when they introduce a new car, ‘It will take your breath away,’ we say that our car is meant just to do the opposite, because there are no exhaust fumes.”
In addition to its cleaner exhaust system, the LiFe offers budget-minded consumers another advantage, McQuary said.
“It’s good for the economic reasons that show on a per-mile basis, you’ll spend about one-tenth of what you would on a gas-powered car,” he said. “And at the same time, it’s a way to help us reduce our dependency on foreign oil.”
Even the price tag comes with a good deal: The $32,995 cost makes it one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. It’s even more affordable for buyers in Georgia, who can pick up $7,500 in federal tax credits and $5,000 in state credits for making a purchase.
“After that, the car is about $20,000, which is a heck of a deal,” McQuary said.
The two-seat, hatchback LiFe comes with a standard plug-in unit — the same one used by other electric car manufacturers — that recharges the battery in about 20 hours. It can also plug directly in a 220-volt circuit (the same type used for refrigerators and dryers), and will take eight hours to get back to full power.
The California-built LiFe is the next generation of electric vehicles that Wheego has produced. Its first concept, the Wheego Whip, was limited to speeds of 35 mph or lower, but it launched the brand and served as a model for consumer feedback.
“It was like a golf cart on steroids,” McQuary joked. “But we learned a lot from that technology. In 2009, we finished the first prototype car and moved on.”
The company’s business is half automotive and technology, with a strong customer-service component. The plan is similar to the one McQuary used when he was part of the startup crew for Mindspring, one of the first Internet providers.
“At Mindspring, you could always call and get help if you wanted to fix things on your computer,” he said. “We applied the same model to an electric car. Instead of going to a mechanic or dealer, you can call us and find customer-service people who will talk to you about your car. And we believe that buyers do want to understand what’s going on with their cars.”
When the car arrives at Atlanta-area Jim Ellis showrooms later this month, it will come in six colors and with standard features such as a stereo system and Bluetooth capability. One thing Georgians may want to tack on is an air conditioning system.
“One of our big markets is in the Northwest,” McQuary said. “It’s a very environmentally progressive area, and they didn’t want AC, so it’s an option. But otherwise, the fits and amenities are just as nice as any other car.”
McQuary said public reaction to LiFe has been overwhelmingly positive. But with only 100 miles per charge, it does challenge drivers to be a bit less spontaneous.
“You do have to plan your day a bit,” McQuary said. “But otherwise, we believe LiFe is a car people will be excited to drive.”
Two other electric vehicles will appear at the show. The Nissan Leaf is a five-door, five-passenger vehicle that can go up to 100 miles on a single charge and easily reaches speeds of 90 mph. The hatchback features four-wheel, power-assisted disc brakes and front and side airbags. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $32,780 before tax credits.
The Chevrolet Volt, the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year, is a four-person vehicle equipped with an electric motor that’s easily charged from a home outlet and can power it for the first 25 to 50 miles. Beyond that range, a gasoline generator kicks in, providing electricity for the motor and giving the car a range of 344 miles with a full, 9.3-gallon tank. Unlike conventional hybrids that have gas engines for faster driving, the Volt’s engine is completely electric. The Volt has an MSRP of $40,2800 before tax credits.
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