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Oregon is an early and eager test market for several electric car automakers

May 9, 2010 /

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Automakers are racing to unleash electric vehicles in Oregon, one of the nation’s first significant test markets for plug-in cars.

The Nissan Leaf, a four-door hatchback with 100-mile range, leads the pack of zero-emission sedans, with a suggested retail price of $23,780 after tax credits. Oregon customers can reserve theirs starting this month.

The Tesla Roadster, a two-seater sports car, is already here – if you have $100,000 to spend.

Yet the concept of an electric vehicle is so new, carmakers downplay expectations even as companies rush to install charging stations.

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Plug-in vehicles

Here are some of the plug-in vehicles that lead the pack coming to Oregon. Prices are suggested retail, before a $7,500 federal tax credit and a $1,500 Oregon tax credit.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Four-door hatchback
Range: 45 to 75 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: Test cars arrive in Portland in June; retail, fall 2011

Nissan Leaf
Four-door hatchback
Range: 100 miles
Price: $32,780
Available: December. Reservations begin this month .

Chevrolet Volt
Four-door hatchback
Range: 40 miles, battery-powered, plus gas-engine range
Price: To be announced
Available: To be announced; launches first in California, Michigan and Washington, D.C.; Oregon and Washington set for second-phase release by mid 2011

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
Four-door, based on 2010 hybrid
Range: 236 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: Demos at Portland State University in June; retail, late 2012

Tesla Roadster
Two-seater sports car
Range: 220 miles
Price: $109,000
Available: Now, online and at Seattle store

Think City
Two-door hatchback
Range: 100 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: This year, to Portland fleets; 2011, to consumers

Ford Focus
Likely four-door hatchback
Range: 100 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: Late 2011

Smart Fortwo
Two-door
Range: To be announced
Price: To be announced
Available: Fourth quarter, 2010

TRUCKS:

Ford Transit Connect Electric
Commercial van
Range: 80 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: Late 2010

Smith Newton
Delivery truck
Range: 100 miles
Price: Undisclosed
Available: Now

Navistar
Delivery truck, yet to be named
Range: 100 miles
Price: To be announced
Available: Later this year

More information:

http://www.evroadmap.com

http://www.electricvehiclesummit.com

http://www.portlandgeneral.com/plugin