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With a combination of pedal power and electric power, Kronosport's little electric vehicles can carry a driver and more than 350 pounds of extra cargo. Using the electric motor only, they have a top speed of 12 mph, and a range of 24 to 36 miles per charge. Combining pedal power with the electric motor more than doubles the range. Ed Kron, the founder and president of Kronosport, uses his Truck to help out with homesteading chores, and Kronosport Vans, Bikes and Taxis are currently planned for use by the Philadelphia police department, airport, parks and recreation department, and zoo. Price range from $5,800 for the Truk to $6,500 for the Taxi or Van [(215) 575-7614; www.kronosport.com].

COMMUTING CARS

Although most privately owned EVs in the United States (estimated at 5,000) are conversions of cars initially manufactured with gasoline engines (see "Go Electric," ), in California. Toyota currently offers the RAV4 EV, a battery- only, five-passenger, four-door sport utility vehicle that can travel 126 miles on a single charge. Toyota says more than 1,000 fleet-tested RAV4 EVs have demonstrated high reliability and low service requirements. The RAV4 EV has a top speed of 78 mph. Expect to pay around $42,510 for this EV (rav4ev. toyota. com ).

The Corbin Sparrow is a one-person, three-wheel, freeway legal EV with a range of 30 to 50 miles. The Sparrow sports an all weather composite shell, contains an LED dashboard display, and registers, insures and parks as a motorcycle in most states. It has a curbside door, heater and defroster, radio and compact disc player, two power ports for a phone and laptop computer, and 6 cubic feet of luggage space. It retails for about $14,900 [(831) 635-1033; www.corbinmotors.com ].

Ford's Th!nk City is a two-passenger commuter vehicle constructed with an aluminum safety frame and a driver's side air bag. It can travel speeds up to 56 mph, and has a range of almost 50 miles. The City, which will make its debut during the summer of 2003, will cost about $20,000.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS WITH HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Hybrid EVs (HEVs) pair a gasoline engine with an electric motor, significantly extending vehicle travel range. Around town. most HEVs use their electric motors and engage the engine only during highway driving, combining low emissions in populated areas with excellent fuel economy on the highways.

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