EV-Motoring : The Great Electric Car Race

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Washington DC April 15, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that International automakers are virtual light years ahead of American domestic manufacturers when it comes to producing alternative fuel vehicles, according to Fortune magazine

The U.S.Treasury Department has cited domestic automaker's lack of foresight and leadership in manufacturing electric cars as a contributing cause to their financial woes, citing manufacturers like Toyota, whose 2010 Prius hybrid came on the market 18 months before the Chevy Volt.(DUH!)

The Prius can go 50 miles or more on a gallon of gas and may sell for as little as $21,000—a lot less money for a big environmental boost. Volt fell far short with a limited range (40 miles between charges) and stiff price (estimated at $40,000).

The first lithium-ion-powered cars should start appearing next year. BMW is testing an experimental Mini Cooper with batteries in the back seat that has a range of 150 miles, while Toyota is developing a city car that can go 40 miles on a charge.

The Auto Channel.com reports that Mitsubishi has plans to introduce its ultra-compact 330-volt lithium ion battery powered i MiEV in U.S. dealerships sometime after 2010.

For more from Fortune on electric vehicles, Click Here.