A Beefed-Up Golf Cart And An Anti-Cybertruck: Cheap, Quirky EVs Are Coming

U.S. sales of electric vehicles have plunged since the Trump administration killed a $7,500 federal credit last year, but a group of startups hopes to change that. They’re preparing to launch a new wave of quirky, affordable battery-powered models over the next year that are distinctly different from anything Tesla or other big automakers offer.  The newest is a small, inexpensive “life utility vehicle” from Miami-based Chip, which starts taking reservations today. It only has a top speed of 25 miles per hour, and is intended as a secondary vehicle designed to handle daily shopping trips, school runs and short commutes. It’s available in four- and six-seat versions, with a $15,000 base price. Though essentially a beefed-up golf cart resembling a small jeep it has far more safety features, including higher ground clearance, a roll bar and flat LFP battery pack along the floor to protect occupants. It also has multiple cameras and radar to monitor traffic conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices