Citicar

The Citicar was a small, wedge-shaped electric car produced in the United States from 1974 to 1977 by Sebring-Vanguard, Inc., and later by Commuter Vehicles, Inc. It is considered one of the most successful electric cars of its era, with approximately 4,444 units produced.

Initially conceived as a simple, affordable vehicle in response to rising gasoline prices during the 1973 oil crisis, the Citicar was powered by a series of lead-acid batteries and a DC motor. It was designed for short-distance urban commuting, with a top speed of around 38 mph and a range of approximately 40 miles.

The Citicar's design was notable for its fiberglass body, simple construction, and lack of doors in early models. Later models included an updated design and improved features. Despite its popularity for its time, the Citicar suffered from limitations in performance and safety compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, contributing to the eventual cessation of production. The Citicar remains a notable example of early electric vehicle development and a cultural icon of the 1970s energy crisis.