The Comuta-Car, the successor to the CitiCar, was an early attempt at scalable electric vehicle (EV) production. It was built between 1979 and 1982, and the number finished likely didn’t reach much more than 2,100 units. The Comuta-Car was an overgrown golf cart that could be titled for use on the street. This one resides in a carport and needs body and brake work, and we’re unsure of the battery situation. Located in Peyton, Colorado, this awkward EV is available here on craigslist for $1,700.
Sebring-Vanguard out of Florida developed and produced the CitiCar (1974 to 1977), followed by the Comuta-Car. These autos came about as a result of the mid-1970s gasoline shortage. The cars had a wedge appearance, supporting only two passengers, and storage space was nonexistent. Huge bumper extensions were added to make the safety Feds happy. A six-hp electric motor powered by multiple six-volt batteries was deployed, so these machines weren’t going to win any races.
These little cars could go about 40 miles on a charge with a top speed of about 38 mph. This one runs/ran on 48 volts, which would be 8X6V batteries. We don’t know how long the seller has owned this oddity, but not enough time has ever come forward to get it going again. The body needs some work, as do the brakes, but the design seems simple enough – though where would you find some of the parts?
We’re told the Comuta-Car will “turn on,” so that’s a good sign. Even if you got it going, what would you do with it? A lot more sophisticated EVs have come along in the past 40 years. Considering how people drive on the roads today, this vehicle probably wouldn’t be more than a novelty rather than an actual source of transportation. Thanks for the tip, Jack M.!
I say this whenever these come up, I was at a yard sale in my little town, getting bigger, thanks to getting on the “7 best places in Colormorado to live”, list, under a pile of stuff, was a Comuta-Car. She said it was not for sale, and I was the only one who said anything about it. Not sure if 2 in my state is a record, it was poorly received. Oh, we laughed,,,an ELECTRIC car? Good heavens, what next, electric bicycles? Funny how under duress, our attitudes can change. Woodgrain dash a nice touch, but like all these flash in the pan ideas, it’s about range. We just can’t get past the battery thing, and with the Colorado River running dry, and all the hydro-electric plants that will stop turning, our electric devices may be in peril. Think about that.
Put a Maytag in it…
These are cool, odd and funny all in one. Never seen one moving. But not the first electric car made.
Every time I see one of these, I go back to 1963, when I saw the plans to build a kids’ Flivver in Mechanix Illustrated. I often wonder which would be better; or more practical.
And, yes, I sometimes admit that I tend to get cynical at times…
My former co-worker downloaded the plans and actually built one of these for his grandkids. I think it’s more of a decoration for his Man-Cave than something for the kids to play in.