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An administrative order signed by Kentucky Transportation Secretary Joe Prather allows "alternative electric vehicles" to be registered and titled for the first time in Kentucky.

The order, which is being sent to Kentucky's 120 county clerks, was prompted by an increase in consumer interest in electric cars and trucks.

Gov. Steve Beshear in August directed the Secretary to develop and implement standards for authorizing the use of certain electric vehicles on Kentucky roadways.

"Under certain prescribed conditions, the use of electric cars can - and should - be an important part of our efforts to offer cost-effective and energy efficient alternatives for our transportation needs," Gov. Beshear said. "I believe there is a market for these alternative vehicles and I'm excited about the potential."

Prather's order applies to alternative electric vehicles that at least meet federal safety standards for motorcycles. Their operation is restricted to roadways with posted speed limits of no more than 45 mph, of which Kentucky has 3,507 miles.

Cars scheduled to be built in Simpson County
Integrity Motors plans to begin production of ZAP electric cars in in Franklin, Simpson County, KY soon. The cars sell for $13,600. The vehicles cannot be driven across a roadway with a posted speed limit higher than 45 mph except at intersections with stoplights. Operators must have a valid license, are subject to all traffic laws and the same insurance requirements that pertain to motor vehicles.

Golf carts and all-terrain vehicles are specifically excluded from terms of the order.

http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=25994

Ahh Progress

2008-11-13 - N. Main St., Franklin, KY - Photo By Ed Waggener.
RON BLACK, Black's Auto Sales, North Main Street in Franklin, KY, with one his three wheel, four door, electric ZAP car. The dealership is stocking electric vehicles in sedan, as above, and pickup with dump bed trucks. The little cars have a range of 40 miles, run on 6 batteries, and just have to be plugged in for 1-4 hours to get a complete recharge. With three wheels, it's technically a motorcycle, and is licensed as such. In a few weeks, Integra Motors plans to begin manufacturing the cards in Franklin.
http://www.columbiamagazine.com/photoarchive.php

In order for electric cars to succeed they are going to have to have a range of around 100 miles and be able to seat 4 people, that is very possible. I sell a lift truck that wieghs 8,000lbs can carry another 5,000 and will run 8 hours on a battery charge. The technology is there, I have often wondered why the big three haven't jumped into this game(I assume pressure from the oil companies). Even GM with the Volt is only giving a range of 70 miles, that's not enough to be successful, they need to get it up to about 100 miles. I live in Lawrenceburg, my wife works in Frankfort it's a 55 mile round trip for her, that's to close to the range of these cars that are being introduced. I think America is ready to do this, I hope an American company comes up with the solution.

Lock5 wrote: I sell a lift truck that wieghs 8,000lbs can carry another 5,000 and will run 8 hours on a battery charge.

What are the chances of putting a road worthy body on the lift truck chassis and running gear, regear it to get a better top speed and put it on the street? I am not mechanically inclined enough, but like you said there has to be someone out there that has the ability to do it. Perhaps your company could have a side business.

I do hope they do well ! The timing is Right