And we're not talking about some lame-o golf cart or even a Tesla- this is a highway-legal, 3.5 horsepower Citicar, one of the lone bright spots of the Malaise Era. Most of the time, I can't find the owner when I'm shooting a cool street-parked Alameda car, but I spotted this car just as its owner, Tom, was getting ready to run some errands around town. He was happy to show off his commuter's features, and even took me for a little drive around Alameda's downtown. Alameda High was just getting out for the day, and this Citicar got more attention from teenage girls than all the Lamborghinis in the world put together- take note, high school dudes looking for a project car that will help you score with the ladeeze! You can learn more about this car here.

The car has pretty decent acceleration and is surprisingly comfortable (at least, when the weather is nice). While the top speed is only about 36 MPH, that's just about perfect for getting around Alameda; most of the island has a 25 MPH speed limit, and parking is often tough for big cars.

We would like to point out that back when we drove it here in New York, we didn't need a silly "No Fuel" sign. That is all.

Photo Credit: Edmunds Inside Line

The production i-MiEV looks a whole lot like the ones that've been running through fleet testing and the press gambit for a while, so the styling isn't much of a shocker, the price is a bit on the steep side for a fairly compact ride though. However, it is the first to market with a new electric vehicle available to the general public. Well, first in a relative sense, since electrics were around in the early parts of the 20th century, and again in the 90's, and in the Tesla... well okay, it's the first relatively cheap modern EV.

It's powered by a 64 HP electric motor with 132 lb-ft running off a 16 kWh lithium ion battery. With a total vehicle weight of 2,425 lbs, that puts the range at about 100 miles, depending on how heavy your foot is. Pretty good for a passenger EV, still, it'll be a while before we plunk down that kind of dough for a limited-range jellybean.

The Boiler Bar is having a May Day celebration at their Magnolia Street HQ, starting at 8:00 PM tonight. It's unclear how many art cars will show up, but the Marriage Wrecker and Neverwas LB&O Trolley should be there in addition to the Golden Mean, and there will also be "Snake Charming, CanCan Girls, Belly, Glass, Fire & May Pole Dancing, Burlesques, Balancing Acts, and Old Timey Music." I'll be there, trying to recruit art car builders for the 24 Hours Of LeMons. Give that snail a roll cage and some more horsepower and it could totally compete on the track!
The Boiler Bar

You know you're not like The Others, yes? Do your relatives discuss you using sentences beginning with "Let's face it…" and stop talking when you enter the room? Of course they do, and you don't want to disappoint in your selection of project car! That's why an easy project- say, a rusted-out Studebaker Commander- isn't for you; skip on past the boring stuff, because you've got to go French or go electric!

Citroën didn't sell many CXs in North America, so the successor to the DS is quite a rare sight on these shores. When you go with a CX, you get many of the nerve-shatteringly complex technologically advanced features of the mighty SM, including the speed-variable power steering and- this should go without saying- the super-smooth suspension hydropneumatique. You also got build quality backed by those masters of administration and harmonious labor negotiations, the French and Italian governments; what more could a car owner ask for? Well, a potential CX owner knows all that stuff, but he or she also knows that these cars don't come cheap… but Bearddevil has found us a deal for the ages: this "77-78" Citroën CX Pallas 2400, priced at- holy shit!- just 500 bucks! Normally, we'd suggest making a 24 Hours Of LeMons car here, but that would be too easy. No, you need to restore this beauty, and you'll need to start by heading over to France to pick up some glass (three windows missing) and all some of the interior components (seller describes the once-luxurious interior as "way crispy"). Does it run? It should run, since it has only been sitting for centuries "years and years." People win the lottery, right? It will never oughta fire right up!

That dinosaur juice is running out, folks! If you go with a fossil-fuel-burner for your Hell Project, you're liable to find that internal-combustion vehicles cost about $900/mile to operate by the time you get it running (of course, at that point you'll be 94 years old and getting around in a jetpack walker, so it won't really matter). Best to be on the safe side and go electric! You'll want to use Plasma Boy's White Zombie Datsun as your role model here, so what you need is a small, light, rear-drive machine with room for plenty of batteries… such as this electric 1971 Dodge Colt (thanks to Belvedere Adrian for the tip). This little Mitsubishi was converted to electric drive by "the old man that built it," no doubt during the Arab oil embargo, or maybe the Iranian Revolution. Yes, it has been sitting for a while, but that's what gives it that super-cheap $500 price tag. Well, that plus the fact that it's a total basket case held together with crumbling Bondo little bit rough… but don't focus on that when you should be imagining those super-rad electric burnouts you'll be doing once it's running. It "ran at one time," according to the seller, who believes that a simple transistor swap might make everything hunky-dory, and that 86-volt motor should have no problem withstanding the 880 volts you'll be juicing it with!

But, of course, the problem with ethanol remains one of economics rather than availability. E85 costs about 18% less nationwide than a gallon of gasoline despite containing 23-28% less energy. When the cost to grow, process, distill and transport that ethanol is taken into account, the math just doesn't work out in favor of corn likker . But we are glad our farmer friends are finally able to afford those new Sea Rays. [Green Car Congress; Image Credit: EPA]

But first, we need to talk about stereotypes, just to head off a lot of annoying Berkeley/hippie cracks in the comments, like what we saw yesterday. I'm allowed to make Berkeley jokes, and those of you who have spent at least 10 years living in the East Bay are also allowed to make such jokes. The rest of you haven't earned the right, and your cracks about paving superhighways with the bones of ground-up hippies get really old really fast. Here's why: Berkeley is an ungodly complex stew, flavored with silly-ass hippie shit and blustery radical 60s flashbackers and crackpot utopian schemes and omnidirectional anger and gutter punks and and all that stuff that populates the stereotypes the rest of the country loves to get all frothed up over, and it's a maddening fucking place to live or work and I avoid it for the most part… but that stew is also loaded with the kind of honest-to-god freak geniuses who make cool stuff for the rest of us. Do you like the personal computer with which you are viewing this site? Thank the freako Berkeley computer geeks of the 60s and 70s for that. How about the novels of Philip K Dick? Berkeley. The atomic bomb? Berkeley. OK? Right, so let's take a look at some real-world, junkyard-style applications of alternative-fuel technology by some more of these guys:

First, we've got a whole bunch of bio- and veggie-diesel-powered Mercedes-Benzes and Volvos; no need to go into great detail here. The teams will be begging used fry grease from restaurants, or maybe doing hit-and-run shoplifting raids on grocery stores for fresh jugs of cooking oil. Might be some interesting social engineering involved, but the technology is proven and therefore not all that exciting for us.


Then we've got a variation on that theme, with the MAX, a Kinetic Vehicles Locost equipped with a 30-horsepower Kubota 3-cylinder diesel running canola oil. These guys feel that the future does not belong to waste oil (not enough of it to run all our vehicles), so they're going to stand on principle and shoot for donations of fresh canola oil from potential spur-of-moment sponsors (Costco was mentioned) along the way. The car looks well-made and the team has its act together, so the only drama will likely involve fuel scavenging hijinks.


Here's my pick to take the win: the Green Team, which runs on gasified wood chunks. This setup was created by a bunch of engineering brainiacs at Auburn and they've already driven their Dodge pickup to Berkeley from South Carolina without mishap.


They've got a great setup: wood (or any carbon-containing material) is heated in the reactor and turned into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is then piped to the engine and burned like any other fuel. The Green Team has a table saw powered by a generator, which is fueled by the same stuff that runs the truck's engine; this makes it a snap for them to take any ol' scrap wood and cut it into the 2" cubes that the reactor likes best. Downed tree branches, heaps of wood chips, busted-up-pallets- if they can get it in the reactor, they can drive the truck at highway speeds.


The gasification idea sounds great to All Power Labs, so they put together this '86 Accord with hacked ECM that allows switching between gasoline and "any solid carbonaceous material." Unfortunately, even after an all-out 24-hour thrash before the race, the bugs hadn't all been worked out and the Accord wouldn't be making the race… this time. Check out the power-window motor that runs the fuel-feeding auger.


Then you got your bike riders. Tried and true technology, not much to go wrong, slow and steady wins the race and so on… but shouldn't these guys have to scrounge their own "fuel" (i.e., food) on the route? Apparently they're allowed to buy food at will, which was the cause of some grumbling among the other teams. Wild blackberries, possum innards, and hobo-style handouts, we say! This tandem bike has a small internal-combustion engine on the back to help the pedalers; the team members were too busy to explain the fuel type, but the non-diesel appearance of the engine leads me to believe it's alcohol.


Then we've got the machine that, were there any justice in the world, would chug its way to checkered-flag glory on the Vegas strip: the steam-powered Kristie's Flyer. Built by the Neverwas crew out of an old carriage and the contents of many junkyards, this fine machine burns vegetable oil and can attain a top speed of a blistering 15 MPH. Sure, that's pretty pokey, but look at all the shiny brass and hissing valves, and it's got an insanely loud steam whistle right out of the Industrial Revolution! The "suspension" looks pretty harsh, and the steering gear seems to have been something of an afterthought, but we're rooting for the Kristie's Flyer to make a good run.

With "Eastbound And Down" cranking on the PA, the race officials got the crowd all fired up for some racing action. I couldn't be there to watch the havoc these vehicles will play on local streets, however, because I had to get back to Alameda to shoot more emblem and hood ornament pr0n at the annual Park Street Classic Car Show. Come back later to check it out!

[East Bay Express article, Escape From Berkeley FAQ]

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GEM Introduces Peapod Neighborhood Electric Vehicle – the Next Generation of Clean and Green Transportation – No Gas. No Emissions. Pure Electric.

* Chrysler LLC's neighborhood electric vehicle gets a new name - 'GreenEcoMobility' - and new styling that will define and set a new standard for environmentally responsible vehicles
* Sleek, streamlined styling and breakthrough innovations converge in the next-generation eco-friendly car
* More to come as Peapod leads expansion of GEM's 'no-gas, no-emissions' clean vehicle lineup

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 23, 2008 - Clean and green transportation gets a new look and feel as GEM, a Chrysler LLC company, introduces the next generation of clean, gas-free and emission-free, battery electric vehicles.

The vehicle’s innovative, groundbreaking design, with its striking pod-like shape and sleek lines, reflects the environmentally friendly nature that has been the hallmark of GEM since its founding 10 years ago.

The user-friendly mood of the vehicle, named the GEM Peapod, is enhanced with the newly designed center console that will offer iPod integration, as well as hands-free operation of the customer's iPhone. Other innovations include ergonomic, supportive, mesh seating, which enables air circulation for comfort and uses eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials.

“We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image,” said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC’s Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process. “These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it’s a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle."

GEM will also get a new name – GreenEcoMobility, Arnell said, signifying the company’s goal to redefine environmentally friendly vehicles.

Chrysler will show the styling model for the production 2009 GEM at the company’s headquarters Sept. 23. The re-designed GEM is scheduled for production in 2009.

The Peapod represents the first in a series of product launches that will redefine the future of electric vehicles, said the company’s CEO Bruce Coventry.

“With this next generation GEM, we will broaden the market for this clean, emission-free technology,” Coventry said.

In addition to the 2009 GEM Peapod neighborhood electric vehicle, Coventry said, GEM has plans to market a new light-duty, battery electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle, with more range and performance. These vehicles are scheduled for production within the next year, he said.

Today’s GEM is the nation’s No. 1 zero-emission electric vehicle, with 38,000 produced and in use. GEM vehicles are used in settings such as city centers, planned communities, military bases, college campuses, corporate and commercial centers, and city, state and national parks.

“Over the past decade, GEM has established itself as the nation’s leading battery-powered, pure electric vehicle,” said GEM President and COO Rick Kasper. “We have done that by responding to the needs of our customers for safety, utility, versatility and performance in environmentally friendly vehicles."

GEM cars are available in six models: two-, four- and six-passenger cars and three utility vehicles. GEM neighborhood electric vehicles have a top speed of 25 miles per hour, a range of up to 30 miles per charge (battery charge is extended through use of regenerative braking) and are street legal in more than 40 states. The vehicles can be recharged anytime, anywhere with a standard 110-volt outlet. Recharge time is approximately six to eight hours.

By replacing conventional vehicles, GEM vehicles can reduce overall emissions of pollutants, particularly during short trips when conventional vehicles create the most tailpipe emissions. GEM vehicles have been driven a combined 200 million miles and averted more than 150 tons of pollutants from reaching the air, while saving 10 million gallons of gasoline.

About Global Electric Motorcars
Global Electric Motorcars LLC assembles and markets neighborhood electric vehicles. The 10-year-old company is based in Fargo, N.D. For more information about the company and GEM vehicles, to build your own GEM or to locate a dealer, visit www.greenecomobility.com, or find out more about the Peapod at www.greenecomobility.com/peapod.

[Chrysler]

My initial plan was to call today's challenge the "PCH Cleveland Steamer Edition," but that's just too easy, plus neither of the cars is anywhere near Cleveland... then the Toots & The Maytals song (above) got stuck in my head. So, Pressure Drop Edition it is.

There's nothing more macho than driving a vehicle that can have a boiler explosion at any time! Just think, you could be like the immortal Steve in the "Wreck Of The Old 97" and get scalded to death by the steam... and we've found a steam car that's already committed explosive double homicide: this 1917 Stanley Steamer. In fact, the owner (a "state deputy of boilers and pressure vessels") wants to be sure prospective buyers know that the explosion was so catastrophic that it "resulted in a CA safety law." It hasn't been run since 1990, the boiler is 44 years old, and you'll have to track down or fabricate plenty of interior and trim components, but you know you can make it happen!

Come on, the Stanley Steamer is the only steam-powered car that everyone has heard of- it's, like, a total cliché! When you're steam-powered car shopping, only a French steam car will do! Better stock up on fuel oil, because this 100+ year old Gardner-Serpollet Type D is just waiting for you... in Russia. The price is a bit daunting, we'll admit; in fact, it's the most expensive vehicle in Project Car Hell history: one million Euros! That's $1,500,000, give or take a few ten thousand, but just look at this... well, it's not quite a car these days, but it looks like many good components could be extracted from the fused-solid hulk somewhat weathered car, using methods perfected by archeologists digging for ancient bones. There are no details about the car in the listing, not even the year of manufacture, but just shoot an email to the totally non-dodgy-sounding Vadik Kidav and he'll give you the info.

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Say your '73 Porsche 911, which you bought brand-new, failed to pass the Washington smog test 17 years later. Would you break out the wrenches and make it pass... or would you convert it to electric power? Exactly! And that's what the owner of this 1973 Porsche 911T did, installing electric motor, batteries, the works. We may have to dock some PCH points here for the good grammar and detailed description (and where's the official eBay CAPS LOCK style?), especially since the seller has a big website full of info on the project, but don't worry- the hell is still there! See, the electric 911 stopped running after 357 miles, and it's been sitting since 1999. The seller straight-up says "This was an electric car. To be one again, a lot of work is needed." There's corrosion from battery-acid leakage. The brakes are garbooned. There's all the stuff you'd normally have to deal with on a car that's been sitting in a damp climate for a decade. But still, electric 911! Imagine getting this thing geared up for some Tesla-hunting!

Could a fully restored, turn-key electric car really be considered a project? You bet... as long as it's a British Leyland product. I don't care how many components you replace, the spirit of Joe Lucas will always come along for the ride in this electric 1980 Triumph Spitfire. The Spitfire is a popular subject for electric-drive conversion; it's small, light, sporty, and the fact that nobody in his or her right mind wants one makes Spitfire deals quite cheap. This one has a 120-volt motor and ten 135AH batteries, and the seller claims it will do 75 MPH. Range? Who knows? The seller says it's at least 35 miles. We suggest ditching all that lo-po gear and building it up to White Zombie standards... well, once you've fixed all the stuff that will break just getting into your garage. Thanks to BZR for the tip!

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... and, if the power of the Escort proves too formidable, maybe I
could find one of these for next year's LeMons.

This was in Silverlake, between the worksite for the racecar and my house. At first glance it seems like a cartoon car made flesh (or fiberglass). Upon closer inspection, it seems to be like an American Reliant Robin, but smaller, flimsier, and electricer. Made in Long Beach, CA! I'm guessing somewhere from the late 60s-early 70s. Lots of off-the shelf parts (trailer/jeep taillights, golf cart bits, maybe even shopping cart hardware.)

Anyway, seems like fun to me.

How much lower? That's a silly question to ask considering how GM seems to keep mixing the messages themselves. An $18,000 price point difference makes for a mighty different business case though, especially considering gas will only be available with live organ exchange by 2010. [Translated from German: FAZ.net]

First of all, we have a hard time getting really enthusiastic about a veggie-oil-powered Mercedes-Benz diesel, because that's what 99.9% of veggie-oil-burnin' types are running- if you're going to go to the trouble of converting your vehicle to burn weird fuel, at least start with a weird vehicle! In fact, we think the best approach is to get a car that never came with a diesel option from the factory. For example, you could buy this 1986 Mazda RX-7 with Chevette diesel engine, which has been bid up to just over 300 bucks at this point. Yes, a Chevette diesel-powered RX-7, folks! Does it get any better than that? It starts up and moves under its own power, but "Feels like it needs struts on all four corners," so you'll have to figure on fixing the suspension before you get started putting a 200-gallon heated bacon grease tank in the back. Oh yeah, the Isuzu diesel used in the Chevette managed only 51 horsepower, so you'll either need to add turbocharging or get used to driving a car that takes several miles of acceleration to reach highway speed. Thanks to JRHMobile for the tip!

There's nothing wrong with using a factory diesel vehicle as the basis for your veggie-oil conversion, as long as you choose something more unusual than a Mercedes-Benz or even Peugeot (you Yurpeans have more diesel options, of course, so we suggest you head to an ex-Warsaw Pact nation and locate a Zaporozhets fitted with a Bulgarian diesel tractor engine). We tried and failed to find an example of the super-elusive Ford Tempo Diesel, but we've got the next best thing: this 1985 Mercury Lynx diesel (go here if the ad disappears). Have you ever seen a diesel Lynx? Of course not... which makes the $1,100 price tag seem like quite a steal for such a rare machine. It "runs good," though there's what sounds like a front main seal leak, the battery is "not very good," and it has "some rust and dents." Horsepower rating? 52! So while you're converting your Lynx to run on falafel oil, you'll probably want to add some turbocharging gear.

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