ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise) electric cars begin running on Quebec roads

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This car is only beginning to run in a single province in Canada so if you don't follow Canadian news you might have missed it, so here it is:

For the first time on July 17, Quebec will make two cars available to consumers -- the urban-friendly ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise) and the heavier Nemo. Motorists will only be allowed to drive them on public roads with a posted speed of 50 kilometres.

The move is part of a three-year pilot project sponsored by the provincial government. At the end of the term, if the project is deemed a success, then the government will have an option of extending the vehicles' run for an additional two years.

How far and how fast can they go on a single charge?

The ZENN is a two-seat hatchback that can travel a distance of 60 kilometres on a fully charged battery. The car can reach a top speed of 40 kilometres an hour.

The Nemo, a small pick-up truck that can carry a half-ton load, can travel 115 kilometres, but also at a top speed of 40 kilometres an hour.

And the cost?

The ZENN costs about $15,000. For the first year, the Zenn will be available through the manufacturer in Saint-Jerome, Que., about 40 minutes from Montreal. The company plans to look at dealership locations across the province where there is a strong demand.

Weichert's organization has been pushing Canadian governments to legalize the low-speed vehicles. Up until now, B.C. has been the only province to allow them on local roads, he said.

"There are many Canadian manufacturers who make these small, lightweight cars but they can't sell it here," he said. "That's the biggest challenge."

The ZENN, manufactured in Quebec, is currently distributed in Mexico, Europe and some American states.

"We're very excited about (the pilot project)," Weichert continued. "We wish other provinces like Ontario could show that kind of leadership."

Speaking of environmental politics in Ontario, maybe MP Garth Turner would be willing to write a post about these cars and whether he thinks they should be given permission for use in Ontario. He's never written an article about Canada's role in space development even after all my comments on the blog, but perhaps he will about something closer to home like this. Or maybe he could just go to Quebec for a day to try one out and write about it.